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First Fresno County Human West Nile Case Reported

Fresno County Health Officials have confirmed the first human case of the West Nile Virus in the county.

A 55-year-old woman was tested and confirmed to have the virus after she recently became ill with flu-like symptoms. Health Officials say the woman was never hospitalized and is now recovering.

Her case marks the fifth for the State of California in 2010. Three others were identified with the virus in Stanislas County, and another victim was reported in Kern County.

Last year there were 112 human case of the West Nile Virus in the state, with four deaths. In Fresno County alone there were 13 human cases with one death.

"Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus can transmit the virus to humans while biting. Residents should take this disease seriously and protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites," states Dr. Edward Moreno, Fresno County Department of Public Health Director and County Health Officer. "Residents should also contact their mosquito abatement district office for assistance in eliminating mosquito-breeding sources around their homes."

 Health Officials offer these tips to help prevent others from contracting the West Nile Virus:

• Apply insect repellent that contains 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 with tears or holes.
• Contact mosquito abatement districts to report poorly maintained swimming pools or water features that appear green. Neglected pools are the number one source of mosquito breeding in residential areas. There have been over 3,000 neglected swimming pools reported in Fresno County since January 2010.
• Add mosquito eating fish to neglected pools, backyard ponds and horse troughs. Call Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District at 1-800-821-1577 for more information.
• Eliminate containers around the home that can accumulate standing water. .
• Report dead birds and dead tree squirrels to the California Department of Public Health.

You can find more information on the West Nile Virus at www.fcdph.org/wnv. You can also reach mosquito abatement officials at 1-800-821-1577, or report dead birds and tree squirrels at 1-877-968-2473.

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