Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus found in Rivco
Health officials have identified mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in four new locations, the second time infected mosquitoes have been found this year in Riverside County.
The infected mosquitoes were collected Wednesday, June 3, in the cities of Hemet and Murrieta, and in the Lake Skinner and Nuevo areas. The mosquitoes were found during routine surveillance by the county Department of Environmental Health's vector-control staff. The California Department of Public Health confirmed the presence of the virus on Friday, June 6.
Infected mosquitoes were found in the Blythe area in April but no cases of West Nile virus among humans have been reported in 2008. In 2007, 16 human cases were reported in Riverside County.
The virus is transmitted to people and animals by bites from infected mosquitoes. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with virus in its blood. The virus is most prevalent from May to October, when mosquitoes are most abundant.
Most people who become infected show no symptoms. Those who become ill can suffer fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash or swollen lymph nodes. In rare cases, the disease may progress to encephalitis or viral meningitis. About one in 150 people who are infected will require hospitalization. There is no specific treatment for infection with WNV, although supportive care is important.
The California Department of Public Health monitors birds for the virus. Anyone who finds any crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead for less than 24 hours is asked to call toll-free to 1-877-WNV-BIRD.
To reduce human exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry:
- Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
- When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.
- Apply insect repellent according to the label instructions.
- Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
- Eliminate standing water that can support mosquito breeding on your property.
- Report stagnant swimming pools in your area to local vector-control or code-enforcement agencies.
- Contact local authorities if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
For more information, contact Jeff Johnson, Department of Environmental Health Vector Control Program at (951) 766-9454.