Butte County, California – The Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH) announced Thursday afternoon the first confirmed human infection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Butte County.
As of July 24, 2020, four human WNV infections have been reported in California, not including the Butte County case. The WNV is active July through October, and August is typically the peak month in Butte County, according to health officials.
The infected person is over 65 years old and hospitalized with severe illness from the West Nile virus, according to BCPH.
“Mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile virus are here,” said Danette York, Butte County director of public health. “I urge you to protect yourself and your family by wearing appropriate clothing, effective repellents, and avoiding exposure at dusk and dawn.”
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
According to BCPH, residents can reduce the risk of infection by practicing the “Three Ds”:
1. DEET – Use a proven insect repellent like DEET. Other recommended repellents include: picaradina, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-methanediol or IR3535. Always use according to label directions. DEET can be safely used on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
2. SUNRISE AND DARK – Mosquitoes that transmit the WNV bite in the early morning and afternoon. Wear suitable, repellent clothing if you are outside during these times. Make sure doors and windows have tight meshes to keep mosquitoes away. Repair or replace displays with tears or holes.
3. DRAINAGE – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old tires, gutters, and pet bowls. For standing water that cannot be drained, such as fountains, ponds, etc., consider adding “Mosquitoes” or mosquito fish, which feed on mosquito larvae. Report maintenance-free pools to the local Mosquito and Vector Control District at (530) 342-7350 or (530) 533-6038.
People infected with WNV generally fall into three categories: no symptoms (8 out of 10 people), fever, fatigue, and body aches (1 out of 5 people), or severe illness with nerve-related symptoms, such as encephalitis or meningitis (less than 1 in 150 people). For those who develop severe WNV disease, symptoms can last for several weeks and some symptoms may be permanent. People 50 years of age and older, and people with diabetes or hypertension, are more likely to get sick and more likely to develop complications.
