The Kings County Department of Public Health has announced its first human case of West Nile Virus in 2016 has been confirmed. This is the first human case in the county since 2014.
Earlier this month, the California Department of Public Health announced that the first death in 2016 attributed to the virus occurred in Sacramento County.
“West Nile Virus activity is increasing in the state, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Dr. Karen Smith, state health officer, said in August.
Since the county’s first human case in 2005, there have been a total of 58 WNV cases, including four deaths. The last case was reported in 2014, with a total of six cases reported that year. As of Aug. 24, there were 46 human cases in 13 counties in California this year, including the fatality in Sacramento County.
The Kings Mosquito Abatement District continues to detect WNV in mosquito samples collected from Kings County. So far in 2016, 88 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus.
The samples have been widespread across the county, noted Mike Cavanaugh, director of the district. However, few mosquito samples—less than a handfull—have been collected in the Corcoran area this year.
The district has also collected only one dead bird this year that tested positive for the virus. Dead birds should be reported to the district or to the West Nile Virus hotline.
West Nile is one of a group of disease-causing viruses spread by mosquitoes. It first appeared on the East Coast in 1999 and steadily moved west. It is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be spread person-to-person.
People 50 years of age and older and individuals with diabetes or hypertension have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.
The health department recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the Three D’s:
–DEET—apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting and should not be used on children age two and under;
–Dawn and Dusk is when mosquitoes usually bite. It’s important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during those hours. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes;
–Drain all standing water, since that’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Eliminate all sources of standing water by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets and other containers. Those who know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained should contact the mosquito abatement district.
