First human cases of West Nile virus in Stanislaus County. How to protect yourself
Stanislaus County Public Health reported two cases of West Nile virus infections in humans on Monday. It’s the first reported infections in humans this year.
In a press release, the cases were identified in two adult males without symptoms, though no information was provided about why they were tested or the geographic area of the county where they acquired the infection.
On June 2, the county public health agency and the Turlock Mosquito and Eastside Mosquito Abatement Districts announced the first pools of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile virus, which was unusually early.
Mosquito bites can transmit the virus, which causes West Nile fever in about 20% of people. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although most infections don’t lead to illness, when symptoms occur, they are typically “flu-like” with fever, headaches, body aches and fatigue, but rarely (less than 1%) the infection attacks the nervous system, including meningitis and encephalitis, or causes death.
Individuals older than 50, with immune disorders or underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are at higher risk for severe illness.
Public health officials encourage using measures to prevent mosquito bites, including using EPA-approved insect repellents following the label directions, wearing long-sleeves shirts and pants and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
For children younger than 3, do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, because of potential toxicity. Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin. Instead adults should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply to a child’s face, avoiding areas close to the mouth and eyes. If sunscreen is also needed, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent on top.
The two area mosquito abatement districts, East Side and Turlock, anticipate a growing mosquito population this year and recommend:
- Dump or drain standing water, as these are places mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.
- Defend against mosquitoes by using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or, for those older than 3, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, the times when WNV-carrying mosquitoes are generally most active.
- Report neglected swimming pools to your local mosquito abatement district.
- Use tight fitting door and window screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.
In addition, the CDC recommends avoiding bare-handed contact of any dead animal. To dispose of a dead bird, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place the carcass in a garbage bag.
As of June 13, 2020, WNV has been detected in 10 California counties including in eight dead birds and 48 mosquito samples. Stanislaus County has not had any dead birds, but 19 WNV-positive mosquito samples.
“It is very important that people take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,” advises Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer in the press release.
For additional information or to report mosquito problems north of Tuolumne River, call East Side at 209-522-4098. For other areas, call Turlock at 209-634-1234.
This story was produced with financial support from The Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project’s Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.
To help fund The Bee’s children’s health and economic development reporters with Report for America, go to bitly.com/ModbeeRFA
This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 2:29 PM.
