LAKEPORT, Calif. – Fifteen mosquito samples and four dead birds from Lake County have tested positive for West Nile virus this week, according to Lake County Vector Control.
This year, one Lake County resident has become ill from the virus, and a total of 45 mosquito samples, 10 dead birds and one sentinel chicken in the county have tested positive for West Nile virus, the district said.
Vector Control officials reported that positive mosquitoes and dead birds have been found in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville, Lakeport, Lower Lake, Lucerne, Middletown and Upper Lake.
“West Nile virus activity is high throughout the county, just as it is in the rest of the state right now,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “The heat is driving the mosquito and virus activity, and we’re working hard to keep the mosquito numbers low enough to keep people from getting sick.”
Statewide, 35 California counties have detected West Nile virus this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds.
Thirty-five other human cases have been reported in California this year, and this week two deaths were confirmed by the California Department of Public Health – one in Shasta County and one in Sacramento County – as Lake County News has reported.
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.
So what should residents do to stay safe from West Nile virus?
Vector Control said residents should avoid mosquito bites by minimizing time outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, using an effective insect repellent, and getting rid of water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
“One of the most common mosquito sources we’re seeing this summer is leaky lawn sprinkler and irrigation pipes,” Dr. Scott explained. “The leaking water pools and creates a perfect place for the mosquito larvae to grow. Please turn off or repair leaking pipes – you’ll not only conserve water, but protect your family from mosquitoes and West Nile virus.”
Other common mosquito sources in Lake County include out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, and other sources of standing water. The district has free mosquito-eating fish to control mosquitoes in these sources.
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.
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 .