LAKEPORT, Calif. – Two dead birds and one mosquito sample from Lake County have tested positive for West Nile virus this week, according to a Friday report.
So far this year in Lake County, a total of eight mosquito samples and two dead birds in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Dr. Jamesina Scott, Lake County Vector Control's district manager and research director.
The dead birds, both American crows, were collected in Nice and the city of Clearlake, Scott said.
The eight West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples were all Culex tarsalis – or western encephalitis mosquito – and were collected from Clearlake Oaks (4 samples), Upper Lake (2 samples), Kelseyville (1 sample), and Lower Lake (1 sample), according to Scott.
“Statewide, West Nile virus activity is higher than usual and increasing rapidly,” said Scott. “The hot days and warm nights mean that the virus multiplies faster.”
Statewide, 36 California counties have detected West Nile virus this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. Eight human cases have been reported in California this year.
Officials said residents should avoid mosquito bites and West Nile virus by taking these simple steps:
– Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
– Use an insect repellent that contains Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535 or DEET. Always read and follow label directions.
– Dump or drain water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
“If residents have a pool that’s out of service (not being filtered and chlorinated), they can contact us for free mosquito-eating fish,” said Scott. “One neglected pool can produce thousands of mosquitoes every day and affect people up to five miles away. We’re glad to provide mosquitofish to help people keep their families and the community safe from mosquitoes and West Nile virus.”
Besides out-of-service swimming pools and spas, mosquitofish can be used in animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, and other sources of standing water that cannot be drained.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or to fill out a service request online at www.lcvcd.org to report neglected pools, request service for mosquito problems, or to get mosquito fish. Anonymous reports are accepted.
People of any age or health status can become sick from West Nile virus, but people over age 50, or who have cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease are at greater risk for the more severe forms of the disease.
About one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop a fever with other symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
While less than 1 percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness from the 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.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ or http://www.cdc.gov/westnile .
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 .
West Nile virus found in dead crows, mosquitoes collected in Lake County
- Lake County News reports
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