West Nile Transmission Cycle, Center for Disease Control
MADERA COUNTY – A case of West Nile Virus was reported in Madera County on Friday, Sept. 11, according to the Madera County Department of Public Health. It’s the first such confirmed case in the county this year; the case was reported in Madera.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has also received confirmation from a local hospital of the first West Nile Virus positive human case in Fresno County in 2015.
In California so far this year, there have been 108 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus, according to the California Department of Public Health. It is peak season for West Nile Virus and infected mosquito activity continues to be widespread throughout the state; residents must continue to take precautions to eliminate mosquito sources and prevent mosquito bites.
“Confirmation of this case is a strong reminder that everyone should take this disease seriously and should also take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” states Dr. Ken Bird, Health Officer, Fresno County Department of Public Health.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting WNV, residents are urged to take the following precautions:
– Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
– Use repellent, especially in the early morning and in the evening, when mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active.
– Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have holes.
– Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
– Contact mosquito abatement districts to report poorly maintained swimming pools or water features that appear green. Neglected pools are the # 1 source of mosquito breeding in residential areas.
– Get free mosquito fish for backyard ponds or horse troughs from mosquito abatement districts (see below).
– Report dead birds and dead tree squirrels.
Madera County residents can contact the mosquito abatement department representative by calling (559) 662-8880 or visit Mosquito & Vector Control Department online.
Fresno County residents can contact the mosquito abatement district representative by calling (559) 268-6565 or visit MosquitoBuzz.org and/or FresnoMosquito.org.
For additional information about WNV or to report dead birds and dead tree squirrels, visit the California Department of Public Health website or call (877) 968-2473.
