West Nile Virus detected in Merced County. Here’s how residents can take precautions
The year’s first local confirmation of West Nile Virus was announced by the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District Tuesday, along with an appeal to the public to help suppress mosquito activity.
No human cases have been detected in Merced County at this time, but a mosquito pooled sample collected in the City of Merced recently tested positive for the virus, according to an abatement district news release.
Although no positive human cases have been reported yet this year, the public should citizens should still be concerned, as more confirmations of the virus will likely ensue in the following weeks, the release said.
About 80% of people who are infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms and likely never know they’re infected, according to the state Department of Public Health.
Up to 20% of people will have symptoms that can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a skin rash. Symptoms typically appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Most symptoms usually last a few days, although fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
In rare cases of fewer than 1%, people infected with West Nile Virus will become very sick. The virus can affect the brain and nervous system, as well as cause encephalitis or meningitis infections of the brain or surrounding tissues.
Severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, numbness, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma. These symptoms may last several weeks. Impacts to the brain and nervous system may be permanent. West Nile Virus can be fatal.
“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,” Merced County Mosquito Abatement District General Manager Rhiannon Jones said in the release. “It is our responsibility to protect human health against mosquito-borne diseases.”
Mosquito control technicians are performing service requests, inspections and treatments to combat the virus. Staff are also conducting surveillance programs by identifying mosquito breeding sources and mosquito-borne disease activity.
Residents can help by taking the following precautions:
- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in stagnant water.
- Defend against mosquitoes by using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically during dawn and dusk.
- Report neglected swimming pools by contacting the mosquito abatement district. Anonymous calls accepted.
Anyone experiencing mosquito-related issues can contact the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 722-1527or www.mcmosquito.org.
As of June 17, West Nile Virus has been found in 11 California counties. The virus has been confirmed in 10 deceased birds and 56 mosquito pooled samples.
For more information on statewide West Nile Virus information, visit the California Department of Public Health website at www.westnile.ca.gov.
For inquiries regarding WNV and human infections, residents should contact Merced County Department of Public Health at (209) 381-1200.
