Woman in her 50s has this year’s first case of St. Louis encephalitis in Stanislaus
Stanislaus County reported this year’s first human case of St. Louis encephalitis Monday, a woman in her 50s.
The woman had neurological symptoms from the mosquito-borne virus, but the severity was not disclosed in the news release from the Health Services Agency.
St. Louis is less common than West Nile virus but can still do harm to a small percentage of the people who are bitten. The symptoms can include fever, headache, confusion, vomiting, seizures and paralysis and can result in death.
The agency reminded residents to protect themselves when mosquitoes are active by wearing repellent and long sleeves and pants. They also should reduce standing water in flowerpots and other breeding sites.
The woman tested positive for encephalitis in September, the same month that the county reported this year’s first infected mosquito. The test was later confirmed.
More information on the disease is on the websites of the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To report mosquito problems north of the Tuolumne River, contact the Eastside Mosquito Abatement District at 209-522-4098 or www.eastsidemosquito.com.
Other county residents can reach the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at 209-634-1234 or www.turlockmosquito.org.
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 4:51 PM.
