San Bernardino County, CA, August 18, 2015 – San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first death from West Nile Virus in 2015. A total of five WNV cases have been confirmed within the County this year. San Bernardino County reported eight confirmed cases at this time in 2014 with no deaths. Throughout the state, there are 36 confirmed WNV cases so far this year. This amount exceeds the California five-year annual average of 23 cases.
“We continue to see an increase of West Nile Virus activity throughout the county and therefore, we strongly encourage that the public takes appropriate precautionary measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer. “People over 50 years old should be especially cautious, as they are more likely to develop serious illness if they contract the virus.”
WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of the virus may include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting and headache. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms. However, some people may develop severe symptoms which can lead to brain inflammation or paralysis. The most effective way to avoid WNV infection is to prevent mosquito bites.
Residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:
• DAWN and DUSK – Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
• DRESS – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored.
• DRAIN – Remove or drain all standing water around your property where mosquitoes lay eggs (birdbaths, ponds, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters or puddles from leaky sprinklers).
• DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET. When using DEET, be sure to read and follow the label instructions.
• DOORS – Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
The public can participate in the WNV surveillance program by reporting dead birds to the state’s WNV toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or at www.westnile.ca.gov.
For more information on WNV, visit the San Bernardino County Mosquito and Vector Control Program at http://1.usa.gov/1N5qvuM or call the Communicable Disease Section (CDS) at 1 (800) 722-4794.
