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West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes captured near Lower Lake on July 15, Lake County health officials said Friday, July 24
The announcement comes just two days after Napa County officials reported finding the virus in a dead crow, the first detection of the virus in that jurisdiction since 2023. Napa officials said earlier this week detection of the virus in birds is a sure sign that mosquitoes are carrying it
The virus has yet to be detected in Sonoma County, said Peter Bonkrude, district manager for Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control. Bonkrude, however, reported “elevated populations” of the two mosquito species that most commonly carry the virus in the Marin/Sonoma district — Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens
Bonkrude said the local district conducts surveillance of both mosquitoes and bird populations, as birds are the main host for West Nile Virus. When an infected bird is bitten by a mosquito, the insect will then transmit the virus to humans, he said
“It’s really a bird-mosquito disease — humans get in the way,” Bonkrude said
Dr. Jamesina Scott, district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District, said in a statement Friday the virus is currently active and residents should take precautions
‘No matter where you live, you need to protect yourself from mosquito bites so you
don’t get sick,” Scott said in the statement. “Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes bite the most.”
Lake County officials said it’s the first time this year the virus has been detected. Napa and Lake counties are among 29 counties where the virus has been detected, according to the state’s virus tracking website
So far this year, West Nile Virus activity across the state includes: five humans cases; 236 dead birds; 670 mosquito samples; two cases in chickens; and one infected horse
Bonkrude said chickens are considered a “dead-end host” in that they don’t become ill or die after acquiring the virus, nor do they transmit the virus to other mosquitoes. They’re considered a useful early warning in virus surveillance. Corvids (crows, ravens and jays) are the most prone to dying from West Nile Virus
Steps to prevent West Nile Virus transmission
Using insect repellant and staying covered, particularly at dawn and dusk. DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective repellants
Residents should mosquito-proof their homes, making sure doors and windows have proper-fitting screens
Drain standing water around homes to prevent mosquito breeding; mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever water accumulates, such as old tires, buckets, and plant saucers
Change water in kiddie pools regularly or dump them out when not in use
Keep pools clean: A single green swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes that can impact locations as far as five miles away
Get free mosquito fish: If you have ponds, water features, livestock tanks, or a swimming pool you can’t maintain, the District provides free fish that eat mosquito larvae
Wear long sleeves and pants if you are outside during early morning or late evening
Report dead birds, a sign that the virus may be present. Reports can be made by calling 1-877-968-2473 or online at westnile.ca.gov/report
Source: Lake and Napa county health officials.
Mild cases of West Nile Virus infection — representing 20% of human infections — include symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or skin rash. Those symptoms usually begin three to 14 days after a mosquito bite, and most people will recover after a few days. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months
Severe cases, which occur in one out of 150 infected individuals, can include serious symptoms where the virus affects the brain or nervous system. Such cases can result in encephalitis or meningitis
Symptoms for severe cases also can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, numbness, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma. Those symptoms can last several weeks and their effects on the brain and nervous system can be permanent
Older residents and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of severe West Nile Virus disease
You can reach Staff Writer Martin Espinoza at 707-521-5213 or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com
