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Public health officials are sounding the alarm with West Nile virus activity in the state at a five-year high
As of Aug. 14, the California Department of Public Health has reported 30 human cases of the disease, including three fatalities, from 13 counties, the agency said in a news release. That is higher than the five-year average number of cases typically reported by this point in the year
“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,” CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said in a statement. She noted that the virus can be fatal, especially for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems
The CDPH said signs of West Nile virus activity have been detected in 32 counties through surveillance of mosquitoes, dead birds, sentinel chickens and horses
The percent of dead birds and mosquito samples testing positive are also above the five-year average, according to the agency
To date, more than 24% of dead birds identified through surveillance have tested positive, compared to the five-year average of 13%, and eight out of 1,000 mosquitoes are testing positive, compared to the five-year average of five out of 1,000
Infected mosquitoes transmit the disease to humans and animals through their bites. The risk of serious illness for most people is low, but some individuals can develop serious neurologic illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which are potentially fatal
The CDPH said people can guard against bites by wearing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing an active ingredient such as DEET
Other measures include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes usually bite, as well as making sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to keep out the insects, according to the agency.lso be drained
The CDPH noted that birds can carry West Nile virus, and some types can get very sick and die from it. Reporting dead birds can help track where the virus is spreading. They can be reported at westnile.ca.gov or by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473)
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