Stanislaus County now a hot spot in the state for West Nile virus, officials say
As Stanislaus County continues to battle the coronavirus, it’s now become a “hot spot” for the West Nile virus, the Health Services Agency announced Thursday.
Three county residents have become infected with the virus among the five total in the state. The other two human cases are from Los Angeles and Madera counties. Three more potential cases in Stanislaus County are under investigation.
One of those in Stanislaus County who tested positive was an asymptomatic blood donor, according to the state. No information was released by the county regarding age of those infected or their residences.
Most of the infected mosquitoes are being found in Modesto, Turlock and Denair and the rural areas of the county.
“As we move many of our activities outside to prevent the spread of COVID‐19, we need to remember to protect ourselves from West Nile virus,” said Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Health Officer. “West Nile virus also causes serious disease, especially in those who are older and have underlying medical conditions very similar to COVID‐19 and we need to take precautions.”
At this time last year, there were just four people who had tested positive in the state.
According to Turlock Mosquito District Manager David Heft and Eastside Mosquito Abatement District Manager Wakoli Wekesa, the “mosquito populations remain light to moderate in most areas, the concern is the elevated WNV-infected mosquito samples over the past month. The earlier than normal detection of WNV in mosquitoes and high overnight temperatures in our county is the perfect storm for potential human infection.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who get infected do not feel sick and 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.
Here are some recommendations for how to protect yourself:
- 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.
This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 4:30 AM.
