In a California county, there has been one confirmed case of West Nile virus in humans.
Tulare area Public Health released a statement confirming that there was a verified case of the mosquito-borne virus in the area. It is recommended that residents take special precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Overton said in a statement, “We strongly encourage residents to use safety measures to reduce the risk of contracting both West Nile virus and SLEV through mosquito bites due to this increased activity and this reported case.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the West Nile virus is the main illness that mosquitoes transmit in the United States.
When a mosquito carrying the virus bites a person, they can contract the infection. After feeding on infected birds, the insects acquire the virus.
Although there isn’t a vaccine to stop the virus from spreading, most people only suffer from flu-like symptoms at their worst.
The majority of people experience no symptoms at all, with only approximately one in five people really developing symptoms, according to the CDC.
Also Read – First West Nile Virus Case Reported in Union County, New Mexico – Prevention Tips and History
Approximately one in every 150 infected individuals may experience an uncommon and occasionally fatal severe disease.
This is due to the possibility that severe cases could assault the central nervous system and create life-threatening illnesses like encephalitis or meningitis. It is also possible for these two disorders to cause impairment.
If symptoms do appear, they may include a rash, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, migraines, and body aches.
They might also feel weak and exhausted. The majority of patients who experience symptoms will fully recover, but fatigue may last for several weeks.
The primary defense against contracting the virus is to repel mosquitoes with insect repellent. Another way to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes is to wear long sleeves when you’re outside. Dawn and dusk are when the insects are most busy.
Additionally, you can keep mosquitoes out of your house by installing door and window screens.
In California, mosquitoes are often present from June to November.
The county’s public health officers have detected the West Nile virus in multiple positive mosquito samples. Separate positive detections of the St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus, which is also spread by mosquitoes, have been made.
Distinguishing between the two viruses might be challenging due to their close resemblance. According to Tulare County Public Health, the same kind of mosquitoes also carry them.
