Solano County, California – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today the first human infection of West Nile virus (WNV) in Solano County for 2015.
Michael Stacey, Solano County Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Health Officer said in a press release, “The person is an adult resident of Suisun City and is now home after a hospitalization for West Nile Virus-associated meningitis,” the reporter stated.
Other Confirmed Cases
According to The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District, there have been nine confirmed mosquitos samples that have tested positive for WNV in 2015, but it was not until today that a person was reported infected.
Also, cases of positive WNV have been reported in cities such as Dixon, Suisun, Vacaville, Benicia and Vallejo. The CDPH also stated that there have been 201 human cases of WNV confirmed until September 30. The cases vary among 27 counties in California.
Since Wednesday, 10 more cases of West Nile Virus have been reported into the CDPH. The counties at risk of infection are: Butte, Los Angeles, Nevada, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.
“We work hard to control the mosquito populations throughout the County and use all the tools that we have; however, I would like to emphasize the availability of effective mosquito repellents and encourage residents to use them regularly,” said Richard Snyder, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager. “I also urge residents to ensure that they do not have any standing water on their property and to report any unmaintained swimming pools by giving us a call,” he added.
Today, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced that a second person from Suffolk County has died from the WNV this year. The first death of the year was announced on Tuesday when a man passed away due to the virus.
West Nile Virus
The West Nile Virus is usually transmitted by the bite of a mosquito, which has to be specifically infected with the virus. However, only 1 percent of the infected population bring out some serious, fatal and neurologic illness with inflammation and swelling of the brain. It is a very delicate scenario because it can lead to death.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people to use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535. Also wear proper clothing such as shoes with socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Currently, there is no effective treatment or medication to avoid this infection, anyway most people infected will show no symptoms.
“Four out of five people (or 80 percent) who are infected with WNV will not develop any symptoms at all,” Stacey explained. “The others (nearly one out of five) will usually develop West Nile fever and notice mild, flu-like symptoms. However, less than one percent of those infected will develop severe neurological disease, which is what happened to this WNV case,” the Reported stated.
Source: The Reporter