West Nile virus, the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, is back on the public health radar in Solano County.
The Department of Health & Social Services, public health division, and the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District have confirmed that a mosquito pool (mosquitoes collected in a trap) has tested positive for West Nile.
The sample was collected on Aug. 1 near the Birds Landing area, roughly the intersection of Collinsville and Montezuma Hills roads, southeast of Fairfield.
But there are currently no confirmed human cases of the virus in the county, Jayleen Richards, a public health administrator, said in a press statement.
As of July 29, the California Department of Public Health reports that there have been five human cases statewide this year, she added.
Local public health officers urge local residents to be aware and take precautions.
"We are seeing the first evidence of West Nile virus activity in our area this year," said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Deputy Health Officer for the Solano County Health & Social Services, public health division. "Although we have not seen any human cases so far, we encourage the public to protect themselves and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding."
West Nile is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. The insects become infected when they feed on infected birds. People can reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness by following these guidelines, county health officials said:
Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. Residents should avoid being outside at those times. If you are outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent.
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 SCMAD at (707) 437-1116 for a free mosquito fish.
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, in accord with the manufacturer's instructions.
Solano County residents should ensure that their doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
Most people (about 4 in 5) infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms, noted Richards, but about 1 in 5 will develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. However, 1 percent (about 1 in 150) of persons with West Nile infections will develop severe neurological disease. In rare cases, a West Nile infection can be fatal.
Anyone can be infected with West Nile, but people who are age 60 and older or with weakened immune systems -- 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, noted Richards.
Solano County Mosquito Abatement District staff is conducting surveillance activities in the affected area to apply appropriate control measures, officials said.
"This season, the District is placing increased emphasis on enhanced mosquito surveillance to improve response efforts and keep the public better informed about potential disease transmission risks. We will continue to monitor the affected area closely and take all necessary steps to reduce mosquito populations," said Miguel Cardenas, SCMAD District Manager.
"Community involvement remains vital in helping reduce mosquito populations," he added.
If residents notice increased mosquito activity, Cardenas urged them to contact SCMAD, call (707) 437-1116 or visit SolanoMosquito.com for more information and resources.
Residents are encouraged to report dead birds online at www.WestNile.Ca.Gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).