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In what is called a slow start to the annual West Nile virus season, authorities have stated that 27 birds have been tested positive for the sometimes deadly virus in California so far this year, eight of them. between them in Sacramento County.
"There have been other years, like 2014 or 2016, where we saw a lot more activity," said Luz Robles, public information officer for Sacramento-Yolo District. Mosquito and Vector Control.
No human case of the sometimes deadly virus has been reported in the region this year. Just four cases have been confirmed elsewhere – in Los Angeles, Kern and Riverside Counties – by the California Department of Public Health.
But officials still urge people to be proactive in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and protecting themselves.
"It's time for people to know that the mosquito season is in full swing," said Carla Hass, director of communications for El Dorado County.
The season starts in April but usually only starts in May or June, when temperatures remain constant and warm.
In most cases, the virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the California West Nile Virus website. Birds such as crows, crows, finches and magpies act as hosts to the disease. Mosquitoes become carriers of the disease after being fed an infected bird.
"Essentially, it's a virus that presents itself with flu-like symptoms," Hass said.. "The symptoms may range from not feeling right to fever and fatigue."
The vast majority of people who have contracted the disease have no symptoms, but 20% of cases will progress to what is called West Nile virus fever, Robles said. Symptoms of fever include headaches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain – unusual symptoms during the summer months.
The most severe cases can lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and encephalitis, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.
Last year, 253 human cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in California and there were 44 deaths, Robles said. Six human cases were reported in Sacramento County in 2017 and six in Yolo County, with no deaths in both counties.
In the last five years, two human cases of viruses have been reported in El Dorado County.
Although there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus, people can take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.
"Mosquitoes can pass eggs to adults in four to seven days," Robles said. "We want to make sure people do not breed mosquitoes around their homes."
Stagnant water can take the form of neglected pools, but can also take less obvious forms, such as dog dishes placed outside and dishes under potted plants, does it have? said.
A press release from El Dorado County recommends draining stagnant water around the property and circulating water in pools, ponds and troughs. He also recommends using a biological larvicide called "Mosquito Dunks" or adding mosquito fish in the backyard ponds.
The Mosquito and Vessel Control District offers free home inspections and mosquito control is available for pick up and delivery. Mosquito fish can eat 200 to 300 mosquito larvae a day.
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