3 human cases of West Nile Virus detected in Fresno County: what now?

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Three confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Fresno County.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health says all three individuals were asymptomatic.

The virus was identified through routine blood testing as they were blood donors.

While most people don’t show symptoms, Fresno and Tulare County officials urge the public to protect themselves from this disease.

“We need people to go around their property, around their yards, and look for anything that might be holding water,” said Jodi Holeman, district manager at the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District.

Those who find a mosquito-infected area that cannot be removed, like a lake or pond, are asked to contact their local abatement district.

“We have products that we can put into the water that will prevent the mosquito lifecycle from completing, which means that they will not come out as flying insects,” said Erick Arriaga, Community Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Delta Mosquito & Vector Control District.

This year, Fresno County collected 56 samples of the West Nile Virus and Tulare County only collected two.

“A sample of mosquitoes can be anywhere from 12 female mosquitoes, all the way up to 50 female mosquitoes,” Holeman said.

Mosquitoes contract the virus through infected birds, they then can transmit it to humans through bites.

“People aged 55 or older and with immunocompromised systems, they are more susceptible to get more symptoms,” Arriaga said.

Symptoms can resemble the flu.

While there isn’t a treatment for the virus, healthcare providers can help relieve the symptoms.

“We recommend to have an EPA-approved insect repellent, usually the EPA registration numbers can be found by the bar code,” Arriaga shared.

The infected bugs are more active at dusk and dawn. To prevent becoming their next meal, it is suggested to wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothing.

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