West Nile virus emerges in Stanislaus County. How to take precautions
Mosquito samples that tested positive in Stanislaus County triggered an annual alert that residents should protect themselves against West Nile virus.
The samples were collected June 16 within the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District, according to a county public health news release. So far, no residents have come down with the illness spread by mosquito bites.
“While no human cases have been reported locally at this time, the detection shows that the virus is present in the area and that residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites,” the county news release said.
More than 65 mosquito samples and almost 50 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in California this year. The virus is known to be present in Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties.
The Turlock district and the East Side Mosquito Abatement District in Modesto urge residents to stay alert and remove standing water on their property. With the warmer weather in June, more mosquitoes breed in standing water, serving to increase the risk of West Nile virus.
Every year, the two districts monitor and control the mosquito population.
Adults 55 and older are more vulnerable to the West Nile neurological illness. The risks of serious or life-threatening illness are higher for people with chronic health conditions.
Symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue, which may pass in a few weeks. In less than 1% of infections, the person develops serious illness including meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis and even death.
County health officials recommend the following precautions:
- Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeve tops when spending time outdoors in the early morning or evening.
- Make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
- Report neglected swimming pools to a mosquito abatement district.
- Dump and drain water from buckets, birdbaths, tires and flowerpots around your home.
Horse owners are advised to talk with their veterinarian about the equine vaccination against West Nile virus.
For Modesto residents and others north of the Tuolumne River, the East Side Mosquito Abatement District can be reached at 209-522-4098. Call the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at 209-634-1234.
