Year's First Deaths From West Nile Virus Reported in State

The California Department of Public Health announced that two men from the Bakersfield area were the first reported fatalities from West Nile virus in California this year. The victims were two men, ages 37 and 86.

“These unfortunate deaths remind us of the potential danger from mosquito bites and West Nile virus,” said department director Dr. Ron Chapman in a statement.

"To date in California, 88 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported. Last year 111 cases and six fatalities were reported," Chapman added.

The virus has been detected in dead birds and mosquito traps in many areas of the San Fernando Valley.

Three more cases of birds dying of West Nile virus in Sherman Oaks were reported Monday by a woman who lives near the intersection of Babcock Avenue and Landale Street.

"I just want to let you know that we've found our 3rd dead bird on our driveway, dead from west nile virus. This was confirmed by the vector control technicians," wrote Leslie in an email.

People in the neighborhood who discover infected birds are encouraged to email seraphine@longshadowstudio.com. You can get on her "hood alert email list."

The statement from the Department of Public Health noted that the risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus was "low" for most people.

"[West Nile virus] is most commonly transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite," the statement said. "The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals—less than 1 percent—will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

"Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Studies also show that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness."

Chapman said that the most effective way for individuals to prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus is to remember the “Four D’s”:

1. DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

2. DRESS: Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites.

3. DAWN AND DUSK: Mosquitoes that carry virus bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at those times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

4. DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll free: 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).