(FOX40.COM) — A resident in Stanislaus County has been confirmed to be infected with West Nile Virus, according to Stanislaus County Public Health.
• Video above: West Nile Virus
SCPH stated that this is the first human case of WNV this year. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of mosquitoes that have been infected.
Public health, along with local mosquito abatement districts, had reported a first pool of mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus last week, and more pools of infected mosquitoes have been discovered ever since, officials said.
The person who was infected with WNV started to develop a neurological illness, known as neuroinvasive WNV, which is a type of illness that affects the nervous system, SCPH said. Some people could also experience mild symptoms like fever, headache, and tiredness.
SCPH stated that in rare cases, WNV can cause serious illness that affects the brain and spinal cord, such as encephalitis or meningitis. These severe conditions can result in long-term problems or even death.
Certain groups of people that including older people, those with diabetes, and people with weak immune systems, have a higher chance of getting very sick from the virus, according to SCPH.
“As we celebrate Independence Day, we urge the community to take steps to avoid exposure to
mosquito bites. One in four mosquito samples collected from different parts of the City of Modesto over the past week and a half have tested positive for West Nile Virus,” says Dr. Wakoli Wekesa of East Side Mosquito Abatement District. “We are doing everything we can on the ground to reduce the mosquito population in affected areas.”
Dr. Thea Papasozomenos, SCPH officer, stressed the importance of community and awareness engagement by stating:
“The discovery of mosquito pools positive for West Nile Virus by both local Mosquito Abatement Districts is a reminder that we need to take proactive measures to prevent mosquito breeding in our community. We urge residents to dump and drain any standing water around their homes and report neglected swimming pools, as these can serve as mosquito breeding sites. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV, so it is very important that people protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”
