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CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCES FIRST
CONFIRMED HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASE IN 2008 |
SACRAMENTO
(June 20, 2008) –
Dr. Mark
Horton, director of the California Department of Public
Health (CDPH), today announced that a Tulare County woman
has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection, the
first reported human case in California this year. She was
not hospitalized and is recovering.
“The first
human West Nile virus infection of 2008 underscores the
importance of taking precautions to protect from mosquito
bites,” Horton said. “Californians should use insect
repellent and eliminate all sources of standing water that
can support mosquito breeding.”
To date
this year, WNV activity has been detected in 19 of
California’s 58 counties. In 2007, the first human case in
California was reported on June 20th.
WNV is
transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite.
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not
experience any illness. 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.
The most
effective ways for individuals to prevent exposure to
mosquito bites and WNV are:
-
DEET –
Apply inspect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of
lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 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 or commercially
available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.
California’s WNV Web site –
www.westnile.ca.gov
– includes the latest information on WNV activity in the
state. In order to help identify WNV activity, 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).
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