It is the first horse in the state to test positive for West Nile this year, according to the state Health Department. However, community members confirmed Ragan was the Monmouth County woman who died from the virus. But her name has not been released.
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The unidentified woman was admitted to a hospital in the end of August, then was moved to a rehab center, where she died on September 9. Highlands J virus is a bird disease that does not affect humans, but which is an indicator that environmental conditions are appropriate for the transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses.
Hammond says she became concerned after state health officials confirmed the virus in mosquitoes trapped in nearby Yorktown. Here, the carrier is a mosquito, the infected bite of which can transfer these germs in a person.
“The season for mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus started out slow, but is at its peak now and will continue until the first hard freeze occurs”, said Tony Beltran, Health Department executive director.
Testing to substantiate West Nile virus in each case will likely be carried out by the California Division of Public Well being, they added.
Residents are asked to help eliminate the areas that mosquitoes need to breed by emptying, removing or covering any receptacle that can hold water. “It is important that everyone take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquito bites and take steps to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property”.
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Individuals most at risk include those who spend considerable time outdoors in areas where there is a presence of West Nile Virus as well as those who engage in outdoor work and recreational activities. Click for here for more information.
