Weld County health officials: West Nile virus found in mosquitoes

According to the Ohio Department of Health, Summit County is one of five areas where mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.

Health officials report the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in Stephenson County on Monday. However, certain segments of the population could get seriously ill from West Nile virus.

In 2014, the virus was found in 39 counties and resulted in 13 human cases, including one fatality, according to the DEP. Statewide, 11 people came down with the virus in 2013.

“Santa Clara County Vector Control recently discovered the county’s first mosquitoes infected with West Nile in parts of Palo Alto and Mountain View”, Mattson wrote.

Many scientists suspect that the state’s historic drought is making matters worse because it’s bringing mosquitoes and birds into closer contact at fewer watering holes.

According to Sophie Mattson of San Jose Mercury News, 31 people in California succumbed to West Nile infection past year, and more than 800 residents were infected.

The figures are down from 330 mosquitoes and 393 dead birds tested positive at the same point previous year. Numerous dead birds tested positive in Santa Clara County. If it’s hot and dry, we usually see more West Nile, and the years we see wet and cool temperatures, there’s a lower prevalence of West Nile.

But John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, said it’s too early to make assumptions about the virus spreading this summer because the peak of the West Nile season begins in July and lasts until September.

DRESS in long sleeves and trousers in areas where mosquitoes are active.

DUSK and DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active.

“The buckets and wheelbarrows that are left out collect water”, Balis said. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.

Jaramillo hoped that her experience with the virus would encourage people to use DEET bug spray and cover their skin when going outside.