First human case of West Nile detected in Sacramento County, health officials say
Sacramento County reported its first human infection of West Nile virus this year, county health officials announced Thursday.
According to Sacramento County Public Health officials, a woman in her 60s tested positive for the disease and is still recovering. The announcement marks the second case of the mosquito-transmitted West Nile Virus in California this year, following the first known human infection announced by Long Beach officials on June 26.
“This human case confirms that West Nile virus is active and the risk to residents is increasing,” Gary Goodman, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District Manager, said in a statement. “It’s important for residents to stay protected because all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus.”
West Nile virus activity has increased since the onset of mosquito season, which typically spans May through October. Since May 20, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District officials have detected 31 dead birds and 20 mosquito samples that tested positive for the virus, which is considered endemic in Sacramento and Yolo counties.
Sacramento County Public Health Officer Dr. Phuong Luu warned that although approximately 80% of human West Nile virus infections are asymptomatic, “some people, especially older adults and those with compromised immune systems, can experience severe complications.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people infected with the mosquito-borne disease develops mild flu-like symptoms, which may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. However, fatigue and weakness can last for months after recovery. In rare instances, the disease can affect the central nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis that may require hospitalization and can result in death.
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District officials said they would continue intensive surveillance, trapping and testing mosquitoes, monitoring dead bird reports, treating mosquito breeding sources and conducting adult mosquito control treatments, according to a statement from the district.
How can I protect myself from mosquito bites?
Goodman urged county residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes ahead of outdoor 4th of July festivities this weekend.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District recommends the “seven Ds of mosquito prevention” to limit the risk of mosquito bites:
- Drain any standing water that may serve as mosquito breeding sites.
- Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active, and times to avoid being outdoors.
- Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Defend yourself from mosquitoes by using and correctly applying effective insect repellent, like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Door and window screens should be kept in good working condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- District personnel are who to go to in case you face any mosquito personnel at 800-429-1022 or visit FightTheBite.net.
