First Human Cases of West Nile Virus for 2008 Reported in Sacramento County

(Sacramento, CA) -- The first human cases of West Nile Virus for 2008 have been reported in Sacramento County. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness that initially came to the United States in 1999.

The first individual is a 29-year-old woman who lives in North Highlands. She had been hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease, but is now home.

The second individual is a 33-year-old man from Citrus Heights. He, too, was hospitalized with neuroinvasive disease and has now been released.

In previous weeks, West Nile Virus has been confirmed in mosquito samples, birds, and sentinel chickens in various portions of Sacramento County.

Sacramento County Health Officer Dr. Glennah Trochet said: “It is critical that residents continue to take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. Others will have mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches that usually last a few days but can continue as long as several months. However, WNV can cause severe illness in some individuals. Although those over 50 years of age and people with diabetes are at the greatest risk for paralytic disease, encephalitis and meningitis, our first two cases of 2008 show that we are all at risk for this disease.”

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Human-to-human transmission of WNV generally does not occur.

Last year in Sacramento County there were 26 reported human cases of West Nile infection with one death. In 2007 in the state of California, there were 380 reported human cases of West Nile infection in 30 California counties. So far this year, there are 38 reported human cases, and no deaths, among nine California counties.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District encourages residents to reduce their risk of acquiring mosquito-borne diseases by practicing the “Seven D’s”:

• DRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
• DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
• DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure you follow all label directions!
• DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• DISTRICT personnel are available to address any mosquito problem you may be experiencing by calling 1-800-429-1022.

Sacramento County Public Health offers a West Nile Virus information line recorded in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hmong, Mien, Arabic and Russian is available at (916) 874-2000 and toll-free at 1-866-319-2001 for 916, 707 and 530 area codes.

For information about WNV or to report dead birds, visit http://westnile.ca.gov.

Additional WNV information can be found at:

www.fightthebite.net
ww.westnile.ca.gov
www.scph.com