The L.A. County Department of Public Health on Friday confirmed the first two deaths from West Nile virus in the county this year.
Advertisement
Additional information about West Nile Virus can be found on the IDPH web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. “The most important thing we can do is take precautions to prevent infection”.
WNV is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; mosquitoes can become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. The symptoms include rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, coma and convulsions.
The number – 28 human cases this year as of Tuesday – is the most in the state and third-most Larimer County has seen in a decade.
Less than 1 percent of people infected will develop the serious, possibly fatal, swelling of the brain called encephalitis.
A fourth case of West Nile virus has been reported to the City of El Paso Department of Public Health. “The insecticide that we use is very effective, and was selected because it should have a quick knockdown”.
Regularly use mosquito repellents containing EPA- registered ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of eucalyptus.
Cover up with clothing • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. Some species bite during the day, especially in wooded or other shaded areas.
Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.
Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens. Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas (standing water) around your home such as puddles or containers that hold water.
“The virus actually starts with a bird”, Evans said.
Mosquitoes in the Shandon area of Columbia have tested positive for West Nile.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have first bitten an infected bird.
How Can You Help With Dead Bird Reporting? DHEC is accepting submission of birds through November 30.
The human behavior factor makes some sense – Larimer County residents love to spend time outside in the summer.
Advertisement
Then, spraying occurred in the Hidden Creek – Phases 1 and 2 – and Rolling Meadows neighborhoods on August 17 after two mosquitoes from trap location No. 5 at 1312 N. Josephine Road tested positive. Mosquitos can not be tested individually, so they are divided into pools to be tested. “We need to take precautions”.
