Mosquitoes Continue to Threaten California!!!
....A dramatic upswing in West Nile virus human cases is reported nationwide. More serious illnesses from West Nile virus have been reported this year. The increased cases we are seeing are a strong reminder that West Nile Virus is a serious disease, and a confirmation of how bad it can be. West Nile Virus is severe, and can potentially be fatal to the most vulnerable in our population. The Health Department is warning residents of how dangerous it is, and urging all to take the necessary precautions.
The first human case and the first death in California were both in Kern County. The first human case was a woman of 70 years old who was hospitalized and released, and the first fatality was an 88 yr-old woman, but people of all ages can become sick. A 6-year-old Stanislaus girl sickened with the West Nile virus was the third case in California this year. The young girl first presented symptoms on July 6 with weakness in her right arm, difficulty speaking, and the inability to walk, according to the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency.
The West Nile Virus is still a dangerous threat not only in California, but throughout the United States. As of August 10th, California alone has had 648 dead birds, and 1136 mosquito pools in 32 counties that have tested positive for WNV, and 10 counties with 26 human cases. Of the 26 human cases, 9 had neuro-invasive illness. Nationwide, the number of deaths continues to grow, especially in the most affected states which are Arizona, Mississippi, and Texas, where the West Nile Virus West has already been declared an emergency.
Although the infection rate for West Nile Virus West reaches its peak during the months of August and September, and we still cannot tell if it could worsen, but the figures do not yet suggest that the situation can improve.
Parents are advised to have their children and teenagers wear protective clothing and use insect repellents when outdoors in the morning or early evening, when mosquitoes are most active. Environmental Health officials urge the public to help protect itself by remembering and acting upon the phrase: “Prevent, Protect, Report.”
|
 |
