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Territorial Dispatch

First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County

Aug 09, 2024 09:16AM ● By Mitch Barber

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – On Aug. 2, the Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH) announced the first confirmed human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Butte County this year. 

As of Aug. 2, five human West Nile Virus infections have been confirmed in California. West Nile Virus is usually active from June through October, with August typically being the peak month in Butte County. The Butte County Department of Public Health reminds residents to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by reducing mosquitoes on their property and preventing mosquito bites.

The infected person in Butte County is more than 60 years old and is experiencing a severe West Nile Virus illness.

People infected with West Nile Virus generally fall into three categories:

Asymptomatic (one in 10 people)

Mild to moderate fever illness with fatigue and body aches (one in five people)

Severe illness with neurologic symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis (less than one in 150 people).

For those who develop a severe West Nile Virus illness, symptoms could last several weeks and some symptoms could be permanent.

People 50 years old and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Residents can reduce the risk of infection by practicing the “Three Ds,” which follow:

DEET – Use a proven insect repellent that includes DEET or look for EPA-registered repellents that contain one of the following active ingredients: picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. Always use according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2-months-old and older.

DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus bite in the early morning and night. Wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. Mosquitoes can lay up to 300 larvae in one bottle cap of water. For standing water that cannot be drained such as fountains and ponds, consider adding “Mosquito Dunks” or mosquito fish, which feed on mosquito larvae. Report unmaintained swimming pools to the local Mosquito and Vector Control District at 530-342-7350 or 530-533-6038.

West Nile Virus Resources:

Butte County Department of Public Health’s West Nile Virus Website (tinyurl.com/j6sejd83)

California West Nile Virus Dashboard (westnile.ca.gov)