LAKEPORT, Calif. – Five mosquito samples collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus this week, according to a report from Lake County Vector Control.
The mosquito samples, all Culex tarsalis – or western encephalitis mosquito – were collected in Clearlake Oaks, Upper Lake and Kelseyville, Vector Control reported.
This is the first detection of WNV in Lake County in 2015, said Dr. Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District.
“High temperatures and warm nights are perfect for the virus and the mosquitoes to multiply quickly,” said Scott. “In 2014 we had 71 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples from locations all over the county, and this looks the start to another active season.”
No other West Nile virus activity has been detected in Lake County yet this year, Scott said.
Statewide, 31 California counties have detected West Nile virus this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. No human cases have been reported in California this year.
More West Nile virus has been detected in California mosquitoes this year than in 2014 at this date, raising concerns that this may be another record-setting year for the virus, officials said.
While less than 1 percent of individuals – about 1 in 150 people – infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness from West Nile virus infection, the disease can cause symptoms that can last for several weeks, and neurologic effects can be permanent. In some individuals, the infection can be fatal.
People over age 50 and diabetics are at risk for the more severe forms of the disease. The most recent confirmed case of West Nile virus infection in Lake County was in 2014.
“Since there is no West Nile Virus vaccine for humans, the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites,” said Lake County Health Officer, Dr. Karen Tait. “Taking precautions against mosquito bites is a habit that should be practiced consistently as long as mosquitoes are active. We are fortunate to have had only a few cases of human illness, but presence of the virus in mosquitoes is a reminder that we must take precautions throughout the West Nile virus season.”
Tait said that staying indoors during early morning and evening hours, keeping window screens in good repair, wearing protective clothing and use of insect repellents according to package instructions will help reduce the risk of catching the infection.
“In drought years like this, many of us are collecting water in containers, and that creates a perfect home for mosquitoes,” she said. “We’re asking residents to use saved water within 3 days or to keep containers covered or screened so mosquitoes cannot lay their eggs there.”
The mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus develop in rain barrels, out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, and other sources of standing water.
Vector Control has free mosquito-eating fish to control mosquitoes in these sources. Residents are encouraged to contact the district to report neglected pools, request service for mosquito problems, or to get mosquito fish at 707-263-4770 or to fill out a service request online at www.lcvcd.org .
Vector Control traps and tests mosquitoes throughout the county to identify the areas that have the highest risk, and targets those areas for source reduction and treatment using an integrated vector management program.
Residents with questions, or who would like help with a mosquito problem should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or visit their Web site at www.lcvcd.org .
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ .
Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html .
Lake County mosquito samples test positive for West Nile Virus
- Lake County News reports
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