SACRAMENTO – Dr.
Mark Horton, director of the California
Department of Public Health announced
today that West Nile virus (WNV) has
claimed the life of an elderly woman
in Fresno County. She is the first
death this year in California from
complications associated with the virus.
"This unfortunate death reminds
us that we must take precautions to
protect ourselves and our families
from mosquito bites," Horton said. "The
risk of WNV transmission continues
well into the fall. We should all be
taking all appropriate steps to avoid
mosquito bites."
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals
through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes
become infected when they feed on infected
birds. Despite this fatality, the number
of reported WNV illnesses in California
is lower than last year. In 2009, for
the same period this year, there were
47 human cases. This year 45 people
in 11 California counties have been
diagnosed with WNV.
Most individuals who are infected
with WNV will not experience any illness.
However, individuals 50 years of age
and older have a higher chance of getting
sick and are more likely to develop
serious symptoms when infected with
WNV. Recent data also indicate that
those with diabetes and/or hypertension
are at greatest risk for serious illness.
Horton
said that the most effective ways
for individuals to prevent exposure
to mosquito bites and WNV are to remember
the “Four D’s”:
- DEET – Apply
inspect repellent containing DEET,
picaradin, oil of
lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according
to label instructions. Repellents
keep the mosquitoes from biting
you. DEET
can be used safely on infants and
children 2 months of age and older.
- DRESS – Wear
clothing that reduces the risk
of skin exposure.
- DAWN
AND DUSK – Mosquitoes
that carry WNV bite in the early morning
and evening so it is important to wear
repellent at this time. Make sure that
your doors and windows have tight-fitting
screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair
or replace screens with tears or holes.
- DRAIN – Mosquitoes
lay their eggs on standing water.
Eliminate all
sources of standing water on your property,
including flower pots, old car tires,
rain gutters and pet bowls. If you
have a pond, use mosquito fish (available
from your local mosquito and vector
control agency) or commercially available
products to eliminate mosquito larvae.
California’s
WNV Web site (http://westnile.ca.gov/)
includes the latest information on
WNV activity in the state. Californians
are encouraged to report all dead birds
and dead tree squirrels on the Web
site or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD
(968-2473).
California
Department of
Public Health
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/DEFAULT.aspx
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