First signs of West Nile virus confirmed in Merced County, joining 11 counties statewide
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, West Nile virus was recently detected in Merced County for the first time this year, the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District said Tuesday.
Samples taken from a mosquito and dead bird found in the county tested positive for the virus, the Center of Vector-borne Diseases of UC Davis confirmed.
No known human cases have been reported in Merced County yet, but nearby Stanislaus County recently confirmed one infected resident.
“We can’t trade one illness for another,” said Rhiannon Jones, general manager of Merced County Mosquito Abatement District, in a news release from the district. “It is our responsibility to protect human health against mosquito-borne diseases.”
“West Nile Virus is still present in our community and it’s important that people don’t get bit by mosquitoes.”
According to the CDC, eight of every 10 people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms.
But about one in five with West Nile virus develop a fever and other symptoms like a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Most recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Only about one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness, which affects the central nervous system.
As of June 26, the virus has been detected in 11 counties statewide with activity confirmed in 19 dead birds, 92 mosquito samples and one person in Stanislaus County.
The local Mosquito Abatement District has continued all normal duties during COVID-19’s spread, the release said. Service requests, inspections and treatments are ongoing, but with social distancing precautions in place.
Treatment and surveillance programs will continue via identification of mosquito breeding sources and mosquito-borne disease activity.
Still, more West Nile virus detection in the coming months is anticipated, the release said.
“As people stay closer to home as Independence Day approaches this week, the citizens of Merced County need to continue their efforts in reducing West Nile virus activity by protecting themselves from mosquitoes,” said Jones.
“It is important to reduce mosquito breeding on their properties to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. It will help dramatically reduce mosquitoes in our community.”
Precautionary measures include:
1. Dumping or draining standing water, which mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in.
2. Using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus to ward off bites.
3. Avoid being outdoors during times when mosquitoes are present, typically during dawn and dusk.
4. Report neglected swimming pools by calling the local mosquito abatement district. Anonymous calls accepted.
Residents can contact the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 722-1527 (main), (800) 622-3242 (toll) or online at www.mcmosquito.org.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 1:17 PM.
