West Nile Virus Found Present in Mosquitoes in Santa Cruz County; Infection Details, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
A Dead Bird in Santa Cruz County Was Proven Positive with the West Nile Virus
A bird was tested positive of the West Nile virus in Santa Cruz County, California. Public health officials said that this is the first confirmed case of the West Nile virus in the county this year. The dead bird was found in the Upper Westside of Santa Cruz, near Nobel Drive, which means that virus-infected mosquitoes are most likely living around the area. The Santa Cruz' Mosquito and Vector Control District has sent their technicians to the area to look for any infected mosquitoes or breeding ground.
So far, there have been no reported human cases of the West Nile virus in the state this year. Health officials advised the public to report dead birds or squirrels that may have possibly acquired the virus in the area by contacting (877)968-2473 or visiting westnile.ca.gov.
The WNV (West Nile Virus) is a virus that humans can get through mosquitoes. Transmission of the virus will lead to an infection in which humans can either have few or even no symptoms at all. Some symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and rashes. The infection usually surfaces between 2 to 15 days. The virus can also cause neurological symptoms.
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The West Nile Virus is an arbovirus, which means that it primarily spreads via different sorts of mosquitoes. Birds are also considered to be the most infected animal, making it a prime host of the virus.
To prevent the spread of the virus, dumping and draining dormant water will help. Mosquitoes can't reproduce without water. For protection, use insect repellents with DEET, picaradin or eucalyptus. If possible, wear long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquitoes are present. Also, it helps to add preventive measures where the insects can pass by or linger such as sagging gutters, watered old tires or empty buckets with even the slightest amount of water. Mosquitoes come out during dawn or dusk. Also, it is advisable to report neglected swimming pools. Vaccines are available for infected horses. As for cats and dogs, they seem to be resistant to the West Nile Virus according to public health officials.
The disease has infected 87 people in California this year. However, many cases are unreported. There are no currently discovered vaccines against the WNV infection, so the most practical way is to control our surroundings.
