John Kouba, a city health official, said Friday that West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes submitted from light traps in Norfolk on June 28.
Advertisement
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area”, said Dr. James L. Tomarken, Suffolk County health services commissioner.
The birds, which were American crows, were collected in West Atherton and in the Eagle Hill-Mount Carmel area of Redwood City, according to the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District.
No people or animals have been infected, and health officials said the state does not face an elevated risk of infection at this time.
While the risk of human West Nile virus infection in San Mateo County remains low, reports of dead birds are an early indication that the virus is circulating in the environment.
Previous year in San Diego County, 44 people tested positive for West Nile virus and six died.
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites.
Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people 50 and older are at higher risk for severe disease. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites: Wearing long-sleeves, long trousers and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Care should be taken to ensure that water holding containers are emptied to deny mosquitoes a place to breed.
Install or Repair Screens: Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
County officials urged horse owners to ask their veterinarians about getting their animals vaccinated.
Advertisement
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2014, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
