West Nile Virus Detected In Solano County

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — Two mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus in Solano County, marking the official start of the West Nile virus season in the county, officials said Wednesday.

The specimen samples were collected July 30 in southern Davis, Solano County.

Although no human cases were confirmed in the county as of July 30, the California Department of Public Health reported that four people have tested positive for the West Nile virus across the state.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

"This marks the official start of West Nile virus season in Solano County," said Dr. Christine Wu, deputy health officer for Solano County. "This is an important reminder for residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent when outside and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed."

The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District staff is conducting surveillance activities in the affected area to apply appropriate control measures where mosquitoes of the same infected species are present.

"I urge residents to join us in our prevention and control efforts by making sure they don't have any standing water on their property and to report any unmaintained swimming pools and stagnant water by calling us at 707-437-1116," said Richard Snyder, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager.

Anyone can be infected with West Nile virus, but people who are 60 years old and older and those with certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants, are at greater risk of developing severe illness and complications.

Most people —about four in five — infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms, the county said. About one in five will develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. However, about 1 percent — about one in 150 — of people with WNV infections will develop severe neurological disease. In rare cases, WNV infection can be fatal.

According to the county, residents can reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness by following these guidelines, including:

Dawn and dusk

Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. Residents should avoid being outside at these times. If you are outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent

Drain standing water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property and drain empty flower pots, buckets, barrels, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have an ornamental pond, contact the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District at 707-437-1116 for a free mosquito fish.

DEET and other repellents

Insect repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or para-menthane-diol products per the manufacturer's instructions.

Doors and windows

Residents should ensure that their doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

The county encourages residents to report dead birds and squirrels online at WestNile.CA.gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).