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Tulare County Public Health has reported two cases of St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) in the county. An additional five cases are currently under investigation and may result in either illness due to SLEV or West Nile Virus.

Public health officials urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, as mosquito samples positive for West Nile Virus have been detected in multiple locations within the county.

In addition, this case indicates that SLEV is also present, posing a risk to the public. The two viruses are very similar and are transmitted by the same types of mosquitoes.

"Due to this increased activity and these reported cases, we strongly encourage residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile Virus and SLEV through mosquito bites," said Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and there is no vaccine or medication to treat the virus. Most people infected with West Nile will have no symptoms; however, about one in five people will develop a fever with other symptoms from two to 14 days after being infected.

Most people infected with SLEV will have few to no symptoms. The most common symptoms are mild, flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, from five to 15 days after being infected.

Like West Nile Virus, severe cases of SLEV can also affect the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis and/or encephalitis, and can result in death or long-term disability.

Residents are urged to increase their awareness of potential breeding grounds around their properties. Be on the lookout for homes that are unoccupied, since they may have swimming pools or backyard ponds that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

It is recommended that residents take the following precautions to avoid being bitten:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET. Always follow label instructions carefully.

• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

• Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.

• Repair or replace door and window screens that have tears or holes.

Local Abatement Districts

Contact your local mosquito abatement district if you see areas of standing water that may be a breeding area for mosquitoes.

Tulare County has three mosquito abatement districts providing abatement services to residents:

Delta Vector Control (Mosquito Abatement District) covers the northern portion of Tulare County. Call the Visalia Office at (559) 732-8606 or visit online at: http://www.deltavcd.com.

Tulare Mosquito Abatement District covers the western portion of Tulare County. Call the Tulare Office at (559) 686-6628 or visit online at: http://www.tularemosquito.com.

Delano Mosquito Abatement District covers the southern portion of Tulare County. Call the Delano Office at (661) 725-3114 or visit online at: https://delanomosquito.com.

For more information, visit the California West Nile website at http://westnile.ca.gov.