LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Vector Control District and Lake County Health Services received confirmation Friday that a mosquito sample collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus. The sample was collected Tuesday near the community of Upper Lake.
The best way to stay healthy during West Nile virus season is to prevent exposure to mosquito bites, according to Health Services and Vector Control.
West Nile virus is present throughout most of California, so if people plan to be outside, they should use a mosquito repellent.
“When properly used, mosquito repellents that have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are safe and effective,” Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County health officer, said. “People should not rely on products that have not been scientifically tested.”
Dr. Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District, said she wants to remind residents that district is working hard to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus to Lake County residents and visitors.
“But there is one area where we need the public”s help ? finding backyard sources like neglected swimming pools or ornamental ponds,” Scott said. “Mosquitoes are easy to control in these habitats if we know where they are. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce thousands of mosquitoes per day and cause problems for an entire neighborhood.”
Residents can request service, get mosquito fish or report neglected swimming pools to the district at 263-4770 or info@lcvcd.org.
The message is clear; people need to drain standing water sources around their homes that may breed mosquitoes and they need to protect themselves with long sleeves or an effective repellent during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, according to Vector Control and Health Services.
The most recent data posted by California Department of Public Health reveals that 15 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported from a total of seven counties in California. No cases have been reported in Lake County.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes to a variety of animals and to humans. Mosquito and Vector Control agencies usually detect the virus in mosquitoes, birds and sometimes tree squirrels before human cases appear. To report a dead bird or squirrel, call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit the California Department of Public Health”s West Nile virus website at www.westnile.ca.gov.
Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms and will recover uneventfully. Up to 20 percent of people will develop fever, headache, and other nonspecific symptoms that may last several weeks. Approximately one in 150 people will develop severe illness known as neuroinvasive disease. People older than 50 and diabetics appear to be at most risk for the more severe forms of disease. There is no vaccine for humans.
A vaccine is available for horses and is strongly recommended because West Nile virus can also cause serious infections in horses.
For additional information on West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.
