Virus alert: Tulare County mosquitoes carrying double danger

An older man is the first person to be infected with the West Nile virus in Tulare County this mosquito season, health officials said Monday.

County officials said the man is receiving treatment. No other information was given due to patient confidentiality.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and there is no vaccine.

Mosquitoes in Tulare County also have been confirmed to have St. Louis encephalitis, the health officials said.

In June, Fresno County mosquito control officials reported a collection of mosquitoes near Polk and Bullard avenues in northwest Fresno tested positive for Saint Louis encephalitis. It was the first positive reading for the disease this year in California. In 2016, a batch of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus in Fresno County – outside of the Fresno city limits. One person became infected, was hospitalized and recovered, Fresno County health officials said. Kern and Sacramento counties each had a Saint Louis encephalitis patient in 2016. They were the first cases in California since 1997.

On Aug. 18, Fresno County reported its first case of West Nile. The Fresno County man, in his 50s from central Fresno, had been discharged from a hospital, health officials said.

Statewide this year, 41 people have been infected with West Nile. There have been no deaths. Last year, 442 people were infected and 19 people died in California. Last year, Tulare County had 15 cases, and Fresno County had 14 people infected. There were no deaths in the two counties.

Most people infected with West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis have no symptoms; however, the viruses can affect the central nervous system and one in five people may develop a fever along with other symptoms. In less than one percent of individuals symptoms may last several weeks, neurological effects may be permanent,and the infections can be fatal.

Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught strongly encourages residents to use increased safeguards to protect themselves from the viruses. Use an effective mosquito repellent such as DEET. Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active. Drain standing water that allows mosquitoes to breed. Repair or replace door and window screens that have tears or holes.

People should contact a mosquito abatement district if they see areas of standing water.

Residents can report dead birds and squirrels , which can be an indication of West Nile activity, by calling 877-968-2473, or by submitting an online report to the California West Nile website.

This story was originally published August 21, 2017 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Virus alert: Tulare County mosquitoes carrying double danger."