West Nile virus makes early appearance in Stanislaus County. What you need to know.
Two mosquito samples revealed that West Nile virus is already active this year in Stanislaus County.
In a news release Tuesday, the county Health Services Agency said it’s the earliest appearance of West Nile in mosquito samples since the virus arrived in the county in 2006.
West Nile typically causes illness in the summer and early fall months. The county agency didn’t say where the infected mosquitoes were trapped.
With the start of June, the potentially deadly virus has been detected in six of the 58 counties in California. No residents have tested positive for West Nile thus far in Stanislaus County.
“The late rains and increased temperatures will hasten the development of West Nile virus in the Central Valley,” said David Heft, general manager of Turlock Mosquito Abatement District.
Residents are advised to dump water from flower pots and eliminate standing water around their homes. Wearing insect repellent is recommended when outdoors in the early morning or evening, which is prime time for mosquitoes to feed.
The virus spread by mosquito bites may cause a fever, headache and joint pain for several weeks. The more mild illness strikes about 20 percent of those infected.
In less than 1 percent of cases, a severe West Nile illness may include fever, headache, tremors, disorientation, fatigue and paralysis leading to hospitalization. The severe illness is fatal in one in 10 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Survivors may suffer from long-term health effects.
People can take other precautions to avoid the illness, such as staying indoors near dawn and dusk and using tight-fitting doors and window screens to keep mosquitoes outside the home.
Horse owners are advised to ask their veterinarian about an equine vaccination against West Nile infection.
The Turlock and East Side mosquito abatement districts are on the lookout for neglected swimming pools and other conditions that encourage mosquito breeding.
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 originally published June 2, 2020 at 4:44 PM.
