|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Bay Area’s first human West Nile virus case of the season has been reported in central Contra Costa County, according to public health officials.
The victim, a man in his 60s, has already been released from a hospital and is recovering, according to Erika Jenssen, communicable disease programs chief for Contra Costa public health.
Public health officials report that a second person has also tested positive for the virus in San Joaquin County. However, that person is not showing symptoms.
Additionally, birds in 19 counties throughout the state have tested positive for West Nile in 2014, including three dead American crows found in Oakley, according to public health officials.
The virus is transmitted to humans and animals via mosquito.
Jenssen said residents should not be overly concerned about infection, but should take precautions to prevent it.
“The risk of becoming ill from the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile virus is low. Most people who become infected will not develop symptoms and will not need to seek care,” Jenssen said.
Fewer than 1% of people are estimated to be at risk for serious illness from West Nile, officials report.
“However,” Jenssen continued, “in some cases, it can be very serious. This is a reminder that summer is here and it’s important to reduce the risk of West Nile virus by taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
Recommended precautions include:
* Applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
* Wearing clothing that covers your skin particularly at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
* Eliminating all sources of standing water, which mosquitoes use to lay their eggs.
By
By
By
