West Nile Virus at Five-Year High

The California Department of Public Health is seeing the highest levels of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in five years.

CDPH has reported 30 human cases of WNV in California, including three fatalities, one in Kings County.

As of August 21, there were five cases reported in Kings County and four in Tulare County.

“West Nile virus can be fatal, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “August and September are peak periods of West Nile virus transmission in the state, so we urge everyone to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites."

Signs of WNV activity have been detected in 32 California counties through surveillance of mosquitos, dead birds, sentinel chickens and horses. The percent of dead birds and mosquito samples testing positive are also above the five-year average.

To date, over 24% of dead birds identified through surveillance have tested positive, compared to the five-year average of 13%. Currently, eight out of 1,000 mosquitoes are testing positive for WNV, compared to the five-year average of five out of 1000.

Some people have a higher chance of getting sick, developing neurological complications, or even dying from WNV. Risk factors include being 60 years of age or older; having diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease; or being on medication that suppresses your immune system.

What Californians Can Do

CDPH recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:

• DEET – Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent, containing an active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, according to label instructions.

• Dawn and Dusk – Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus usually bite in the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants and repellent if outside during these times.

• Drain – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and other containers.

People who take medications that weaken their immune system should talk with their doctor about their risk for serious illness from WNV and take extra care to follow recommended safety steps.

For more information visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov