PR: FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN SHASTA COUNTY THIS SEASON

FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN SHASTA COUNTY THIS SEASON

Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District, (530) 365-3768

Christopher Diamond, Community Education Specialist, (530) 229-8484, cr@shastacounty.gov

SHASTA COUNTY – The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency and the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District report that a Redding resident is the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in the county this season. The case is an adult who was hospitalized on Aug. 17. Test results were reported to Public Health on Aug. 23.

West Nile Virus is almost always transmitted to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not transmitted by contact with people or other animals.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include high fever, severe headache, worsening confusion, or a stiff neck. If you have symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Tell your doctor if you have had recent mosquito bites.

“West Nile Virus is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes in Shasta County. Checking your yard regularly for standing water and protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using an EPA-approved insect repellent can dramatically reduce your risk of contracting the disease,” said Peter Bonkrude, District Manager of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District.

West Nile Virus can be found in all parts of Shasta County. Residents are urged to include effective mosquito repellent as part of their regular outdoor routine. The best way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites using the Four Ds:

• DRAIN standing water around the house every 4 - 5 days. It is where mosquitoes lay eggs. This includes tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.
• DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active. Limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
• DEFEND yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent, making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
• DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends DEET and three other mosquito repellents for use on skin and clothing:

• Picaridin,
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and
• IR3535.

Always follow instructions on containers carefully.

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District, Burney Basin Mosquito Abatement District, and the Pine Grove Mosquito Abatement District have been performing extensive control measures in and around Shasta County to reduce both larval and adult mosquitoes.

To help fight West Nile Virus (WNV) in Shasta County:

• Report significant mosquito problems to Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District (serving limited areas of the greater Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake area) at (530) 365-3768 or shastamosquito.org, the Burney Mosquito Abatement District (serving the Burney Basin) at (530) 335-2133, the Pine Grove Mosquito Abatement District (serving the Fall River Valley) at (530) 336-5740.
• Report recently dead birds to the state hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit their website at westnile.ca.gov.  Though not all birds can be picked up for testing, all calls help track the virus. Dead birds should be picked up with a plastic bag and not touched.
• Vaccinate your horses. WNV mortality is high in unvaccinated horses. Vaccines must be given before the animal is exposed.

For more information about West Nile Virus, contact Shasta HHSA Public Health at (530) 225-5591 or visit www.shastahhsa.net.

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