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Sutter County Resident Diagnosed with West Nile Virus
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| August 17, 2012 |
 A woman living in Sutter County has been diagnosed with probable West Nile virus and she is
recovering at home. West Nile virus is present and active in Sutter County.
This is the first reported human case in Sutter County since 2007. The Sutter County Mosquito
and Vector Control District has been testing collections of mosquitoes for West Nile virus and
has been finding positive tests in mosquitoes from around the county since June 25th. Three
WNV positive dead birds in Sutter County have been reported to the California Department of
Public Health so far this year.
As the summer progresses into late fall, the risk for infection for humans, horses, and other
mammals increases. It is very important to make sure to take the simple precautions that
reduce the risk of mosquito bites and becoming infected with West Nile virus. The 4 "D"s is an
easy way to remember how to prevent mosquito bites:
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D – DEET – use DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. These are the EPA
approved mosquito repellents to prevent bites; be sure to follow package instructions
for age of person and how to apply
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D – Dawn and Dusk – avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes that
carry WNV are most active
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D – Doors and windows – make sure that the screens on your doors and windows are
not broken or torn
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D – Drain all standing water around the outside of your house – gutters, jar lids, tires,
flower pot trays are some common places
Approximately one in five people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms, such as
fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Symptoms typically
develop from 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Less than one percent of
infected people will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis
(inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues).
The State of California West Nile virus webpage has information about WNV activity around the
state by county, how to report dead birds and how to protect against WNV. See
http://www.westnile.ca.gov/
For more information about the work that the Sutter County Mosquito and Vector Control
District is doing to reduce numbers of mosquitoes, go to
http://www.sutter-yubamvcd.org/ |
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