Health officials confirm first human case of West Nile virus in Merced County

The first case of West Nile-related disease this year in Merced County was confirmed Monday morning by the county’s public health department.

The patient, who was only described as an adult, was hospitalized, received care and is expected to recover, according to department officials.

Kathleen Grassi, director of the Merced County Department of Public Health, said the department learned about the case over the weekend. It was not clear if the patient contracted West Nile inside county limits because the patient had a travel history, she said. Where the patient had traveled to remained unclear.

In July, a warning was issued for the city of Merced after mosquitoes trapped at Merced College tested positive for West Nile virus. At the time, the source was thought to be a swimming pool in a neighborhood near the college.

As of Friday, 245 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this year in 28 counties in California, including 12 deaths, according to the state’s department of public health. In 2014, a total of 892 human cases, including 31 deaths, were reported to the state. In Merced County, two human cases of infection were reported last year and none in 2013.

“All residents, especially those over 50 years of age, and those with chronic health conditions, should take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from West Nile virus,” said Kathleen Grassi, director of the Merced County Department of Public Health. “There are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting this disease.”

To prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus:

▪ Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children age 2 months and older.

▪ Wear protective clothing and repellent if outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

▪ Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Report neglected swimming pools to mosquito and vector control agencies.

This story was originally published October 5, 2015 at 10:04 AM with the headline "Health officials confirm first human case of West Nile virus in Merced County."