Tulare County reports two West Nile virus cases

Two Tulare County residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus and another two people are being tested for the illness, health officials said Wednesday.

The virus is transmited to people through mosquito bites. Most people have no symptoms, but about it can cause fever and more serious conditions.

Delta Vector Control District had found 266 mosquito samples that tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials, and this indicates widespread activity in Visalia, Farmersville, Woodlake, Dinuba,

Goshen, Exeter, Traver, Ivanhoe, Cutler, and Orosi, along with outlying county areas.

Due to this increased activity, Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr.Karen Haught encouraged residents to use an effective mosquito repellent with DEET and take other precautions, including dressing in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, and in areas where mosquitoes are active. Standing water or pools that may foster mosquitoes should be drained and torn window screens replaced.

People are asked to contact a mosquito abatement district if they see areas of standing water that may be a breeding area for mosquitoes.

Residents can report dead birds and squirrels to (877) 968-2473, or submit an online report to the California West Nile website.

Free mosquito fish for backyard ponds or water features can be ordered from the Delta Vector Control District at (877) 732-8606 or online.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Tulare County reports two West Nile virus cases."