Lake County”s first human case of West Nile Virus infection for the 2006 season has been confirmed by laboratory testing. The Lake County Health Services Department reported on Tuesday, Sept. 5, that the patient, a female adult, has been treated and is recovering from the infection.
The department wishes to remind residents again of the ongoing presence of this virus. Statewide, there have been more than 130 human cases reported in 2006.
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus will not experience any illness. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of infected individuals will have only mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. Less than 1 percent of individuals will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes or contracting West Nile Virus, Lake County residents are urged to take the following precautions:
* Apply insect repellant with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.
* Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
* Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two hours after sunset.
* When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
* Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
* Report any ill or dead birds. To report dead birds online, visit the California Department of Health Services” Web site at www.westnile.ca.gov or call (877) WNV-BIRD.
* Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.
For more information on West Nile Virus, visit www.westnile.ca.gov or call the Lake County Public Health Department at (800) 794-9291.
