LAKEPORT, Calif. – With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, local officials wish to remind those who spend time outdoors that it is still important to prevent mosquito bites.
People can become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) when bitten by a mosquito after it has been bitten by an infected bird, the reservoir for the virus.
Symptoms of the mild form of WNV include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches and swollen lymph glands.
While the illness may last only a few days, some people have reported being sick for several weeks. The severe form of West Nile virus can be fatal.
It only takes one bite to get West Nile virus from an infected mosquito and anyone of any age can get this disease.
Contracting the virus is largely preventable by taking simple, but very important precautions.
- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes cannot begin their life without water.
- Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol. For more information about effective mosquito repellents, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html .
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
- Report neglected swimming pools by calling 707-263-4770 or visiting www.lcvcd.org . Anonymous calls are accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than one million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
According to Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County’s health officer, one case of West Nile Virus in a Lake County resident has been reported so far in 2014 and the last one was in 2012.
“Although the number of reported human cases is small, mild illness often goes undiagnosed and the actual number is likely to be greater,” Tait said. “Since there is no specific treatment for the virus, the best approach is to avoid exposure to mosquito bites.”
So far this year in Lake County, 14 dead birds have tested positive for WNV – twice the number that were positive in all of 2013.
Sixty-one mosquito samples have tested positive in 2014 compared to 46 at this time last year. The number of sentinel chickens testing positive are similar for both years. WNV activity in mosquitoes and dead birds has been widely distributed throughout Lake County.
Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District, expects that local WNV activity will continue for another six weeks or so.
“The risk of picking up West Nile virus from a mosquito bite is highest in the late summer and early fall because many of the mosquitoes are older – they’ve fed on several different hosts, and have had more chances to pick up West Nile virus and pass it along to the next host they bite,” explained Scott. “Overall, 2014 has been a busy WNV season, and we expect that the total WNV indicators for 2014 will exceed last year’s numbers.”
Residents are encouraged to bring along mosquito repellent if they attend an outdoor event after 5 p.m.
“We enjoy being outside in the early evening because of the pleasant temperatures, but so do the mosquitoes,” explained Scott. “The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active near sunset, and using an effective mosquito repellent will help protect you from mosquito bites.”
“I’m often asked ‘what is the best repellent?’” said Scott. “The best repellent is the one that you will use, and happily, there are several good choices now available as sprays, lotions, or wipes.”
The US EPA has registered five different active ingredients in mosquito repellents that are proven effective: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, and para-menthane-diol (PMD), Scott explained.
“But they only work if you apply them,” she said. “And always read the label and follow the directions.”
The active ingredient is shown in boldface print and usually appears on the front near the bottom edge of the container.
West Nile virus has been detected in 36 California counties so far this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. Ninety-three human cases in 18 California counties have been reported during 2014, including four fatalities.
The Lake County Vector Control District is a public health agency that protects Lake County residents and visitors from mosquitoes and other vectors of diseases. 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 or request service for mosquito problems. Anonymous reports are accepted.
Free mosquito-eating fish can be picked up at their office (located at 410 Esplanade in Lakeport) weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or out-of-service swimming pools.
West Nile virus still active in Lake County; officials recommend precautions against mosquito bites
- Lake County News reports
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