On Thursday, Fresno county health officials have reported that the West Nile virus has been detected within the vicinity. The Fresno Bee reports that mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus were collected from a region around the 93704 zip code. The area runs through Fresno's center, further extending around Fresno City College in the south to Herndon Avenue in the north.
According to Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Department of Public Health's interim health officer, everyone should take the disease seriously and take every precaution against it. Furthermore, individuals and families alike should protect themselves from mosquito bites.
One of the many local mosquito districts, Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District, tested the mosquitoes.
Not Just Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than just irritating pests leaving blotches of bite marks but have been a significant problem in the central San Joaquin Valley. The troublemakers have been blamed for causing Saint Louis encephalitis, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Moreover, a new mosquito with the ability to spread other infections was also discovered.
According to Ryan McNell, the district manager of the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District, the mosquitoes could potentially infect hundreds or even thousands with a variety of diseases throughout the year.
Last month, the state reported that at least six other counties in California were positive for having the West Nile virus. With no human cases reported, the counties with mosquitoes testing positive to the virus are Los Angeles, Napa, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, and Tulare.
About one out of 150 infected with West Nile go on to develop severe symptoms. In some cases, the illness could even be lethal. There are currently no vaccines or medications to treat the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the onset of the illness is usually quick, presenting with fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and malaise.
How to Protect Yourself From West Nile Virus
County health officials advise people to contact their local mosquito control district about mosquito problems, standing water, or neglected swimming pools. Moreover, neglected pools or stagnant water bodies are a significant source of mosquito breeding in urban and suburban areas.
Officials encourage residents to report dead birds, which could indicate the presence of the West Nile virus. Officials say residents can report on the California West Nile website at westnile.ca.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). Residents can also find their local mosquito abatement district at fresnocountymosquito.org.
Furthermore, officials also shared tips about how to protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus. They suggest following the "three Ds" to ensure everyone's safety.
1. Deet: Use insect repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or picaridin, according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes away but should not be used on children under two months of age.
2. Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes usually bite in the early morning and evening. Wearing proper clothing to protect the skin and using a repellent when outside is vital during these times. Ensure that doors and windows have screens to keep mosquitoes out. Furthermore, it is essential to replace or patch up screens that have tears or holes in them.
3. Drain: Eliminate all sources of stagnant water on your property by emptying buckets, containers, flowerpots, and old car tires. Mosquitoes lay eggs on dormant bodies of water. If you know of a swimming pool that is not adequately maintained, inform your local mosquito and vector control agency right away.
