HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.02.21 For Immediate Release_ First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County_Redacted
From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:Alpert, Bruce;Bennett, Robin;Clerk of the Board;Connelly, Bill;Cook, Holly;Cook, Robin;Hironimus, Patrizia;
Kimmelshue, Tod;Lucero, Debra;Paulsen, Shaina;Pickett, Andy;Reaster, Kayla;Ring, Brian;Ritter, Tami;
Sweeney, Kathleen;Teeter, Doug;Cox, Erin;McSpadden, Elaine;Nicholas, Jodi;Putnam, Jodi;Soderstrom,
Monica;Star, Nanette
Cc:York, Danette;Lewis, Linda
Subject:For Immediate Release: First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
Date:Monday, August 2, 2021 11:27:08 AM
The following release will be issued shortly..
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2021
First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – The Butte County Department of Public Health Department
(BCPH) announces the first confirmed human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Butte
County.As of July 30, 2021, one human death and four human WNV infections have been
reported in California, not including the Butte County case. WNV is active June through
October, with August typically being the peak month in Butte County. BCPH would like to
remind residents to protect themselves from WNV by reducing mosquitoes on their property
and preventing mosquito bites.
The infected person is over 65 years of age is suffering from severe WNV illness.
WNV 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”:
1.DEET – Use a proven insect repellent like DEET. Other recommended repellents
include: picaradin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, IR3535 or 2-
undecanone. Always use according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely
on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
2.DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that transmit WNV bite in the early morning and
evening. 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.
3.DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources
of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters
and pet bowls. For standing water that cannot be drained such as fountains, ponds,
etc., 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.
People infected with WNV generally fall into three categories: no symptoms (8 out of 10
people), a fever illness with fatigue and body aches (1 in 5 people), or severe illness with
neurologic symptoms such as encephalitis or meningitis (less than 1 in 150 people). For
those who develop a severe WNV illness, symptoms may last several weeks and some
symptoms may be permanent. People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with
diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to
develop complications
For more information about WNV, visit Butte County’s West Nile Virus website.
###
Lisa Almaguer
Communications Manager / PIO
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.4000 | D: 530.552.4041 | | M: 530.
COVID-19 Call Center: 530.552.3050 Open 8 am-4:30 pm, M-F
“NationallyAccredited,09/13/17”
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