September 26, 2018 - SONORA—On July 30, 2018, the Tuolumne County Public Health Department announced the first confirmed human illness in Tuolumne County due to West Nile virus (WNV).
On September 4, 2018, a dead California Scrub Jay bird was found in Sonora, and the dead bird was tested for WNV infection – the result was positive as reported on September 21, 2018. The detection of WNV in a dead bird provides an early signal that mosquitos carrying the WNV are present in our environment, and an early warning that it is important to take protection against mosquito bites:
Test Result Submitting Agency City County Zip Code Species Date Reported Date Tested Positive Tuolumne Co Dept of Env Health Sonora Tuolumne 95370 California Scrub-Jay 9/4/2018 9/21/2018
As pointed out by CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith in our previous Press Release, “West Nile virus activity throughout the state is increasing,” so once again we urge residents and visitors to Tuolumne County to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites (see below).
For detailed up-to-date information, see California’s West Nile virus website, available at: www.westnile.ca.gov/.
Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
Further details are also available at the following web sites:
https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/
http://www.westnile.ca.gov/wnv_faqs_basics.php
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR18-045.aspx
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.
People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.
CDPH recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:
1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age.
2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.
Source: Tuolumne County Public Health Department
