The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department says a resident has tested positive for the virus, the first confirmed case in the county since 2009.
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The agency announced Wednesday that two cases of the disease were confirmed in northwest Iowa’s Sioux County.
“Although we can’t predict how much more West Nile virus activity will occur this summer, we know the virus is present, and that means people are at risk”, said Jennifer House, state public health veterinarian.
DPH said it was conducting an investigation to discover where the woman was most likely exposed to infected mosquitos.
The infected individual was diagnosed with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, a more severe form of the disease, and remains hospitalized.
Last year, one person died from the virus. Those include wearing mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors, staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active or wearing long sleeves and trousers during those times.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
The mosquitoes breed in areas with stagnant water, like storm drains and ponds.
West Nile season typically lasts from June through October. Windows and doors should have screens to keep the bugs out. “The best way to avoid the disease is to limit exposure to and get rid of breeding grounds for mosquitoes”. However, in rare instances, West Nile virus infection can be very serious and even fatal. Less than 1 percent become seriously ill.
About 20 percent of people infected with the virus will have significant symptoms, including fever, aches and vomiting.
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Remove any standing water in pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, roof gutters and other containers that hold water.
