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Mosquitoes with West Nile virus in Fresno. ‘Everyone should take this disease seriously’
West Nile virus has again been detected in mosquitoes in Fresno, county health officials announced Thursday.
“This confirmation is a strong reminder that everyone should take this disease seriously and should take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Department of Public Health’s interim health officer.
The mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus were collected from an area around the 93704 zip code, which runs through the center of Fresno, extending from around Fresno City College in the south to Herndon Avenue in north Fresno.
Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District, one of several local mosquito districts, tested the mosquitoes.
West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, including Saint Louis encephalitis, have been a problem in the central San Joaquin Valley, along with a relatively new mosquito that has the ability to spread other diseases if brought here.
“It’s not just a handful of mosquitoes,” said Ryan McNeil, district manager of the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District, for a story last year. “We are talking about hundreds or potentially thousands that are infected with these diseases amongst us throughout the year.”
As of late last month, the state reported at least six other California counties had West Nile virus, including Tulare County, with no human cases detected.
About 1 out of 150 infected with West Nile develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. There are no vaccines or medications to treat the virus. The onset of the illness is usually abrupt, with fever, headache, dizziness, nausea and malaise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How to protect yourself from West Nile virus
County health officials recommend people contact their local mosquito control district about standing water, mosquito problems or neglected swimming pools. Neglected pools are a major source of mosquito breeding in urban and suburban areas.
Residents can find their local mosquito abatement district at fresnocountymosquito.org.
Officials encourage residents to report dead birds, which can be indicators of West Nile virus, on the California West Nile website at westnile.ca.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
Officials also shared tips about how to protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus, by practicing the “three Ds.”
1. Deet: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
2. Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening, so it’s important to wear proper clothing to protect the skin and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
3. Drain: Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.
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