Posted by: thepinetree on 08/21/2008 04:05 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 08/21/2008 04:06 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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Local Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
San Andreas, CA...On August 20, 2008, local public health officials were informed by the California Department of Public Health that a bird (oak titmouse) from San Andreas has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first indication of West Nile virus in Calaveras County in 2008. There have been no reported cases of humans or horses infected with the West Nile virus in Calaveras County thus far this year...
“This positive finding is a reminder that WNV is present in Calaveras County and the public needs to continue precautions against infection, “said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. Many California counties are reporting increases in West Nile virus activity. Statewide there have been 78 persons reported with WNV infection and no deaths. Two human cases have been reported in San Joaquin County.
West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and can cause a fever, body aches, headache, nausea and vomiting. “Most persons who are infected with the virus will not develop any symptoms; however some people (less than 1 percent) become sick and debilitated with symptoms of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and disorientation,” said Dr. Kelaita. Persons over age 50 and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious disease or death from infection with West Nile virus.
The virus is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes “West Nile virus infections is preventable, by avoiding mosquito bites,” Kelaita stated. Actions recommended by health officials include:
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DEET – Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus containing insect repellents should be applied when outdoors. Follow directions on the package.
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DRESS – When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.
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DUSK and DAWN – Avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks at dusk and dawn. Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight fitting screens on doors and windows.
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DRAIN – Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding. Sources may include children’s wading pools, empty flower pots, buckets, barrels and other containers.
Horse owners are reminded to make sure that their horses are current on immunizations to protect them from West Nile virus.
The Vector Control Program of the Environmental Health Department offers mosquito control services. These include mosquito fish and limited spraying for mosquito control. “The public is encouraged to report swimming pools with green standing water as a mosquito breeding source,” recommended Brian Moss, Environmental Management Agency Director. Unattended pools in unoccupied homes are a source of mosquito breeding and need to be sprayed. The Vector Control Program can be reached at 209-754-6383 or at www.ccvector.com for assistance with reducing mosquito breeding areas.
The public can report dead birds and tree squirrels for possible testing by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Additional information is available from the Public Health Department at 754-6460 or at www.co.calaveras.ca.
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