HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.02.24 Board Correspondence - For Immediate Release_ First Human West Nile ViFrom:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi; Putnam, Jodi; Soderstrom, Monica; Wais, Ashley
Cc:York, Danette; Blankenship, DeAnne; Canton, David
Subject:For Immediate Release: First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
Date:Friday, August 2, 2024 1:45:10 PM
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2024
First Human West Nile Virus Infection Confirmed in Butte County
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – The Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH)
announces the first confirmed human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Butte County this
year. As of today, five human WNV infections have been confirmed in California. WNV is
usually active from 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 60 years of age and is experiencing a severe WNV illness.
People infected with WNV generally fall into three categories:
Asymptomatic (8 in 10 people)
Mild to moderate fever illness with fatigue and body aches (1 in 5 people)
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
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 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 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. Mosquitoes can lay up to 300 larvae in one bottle cap of water. 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.
WNV Resources:
BCPH’s West Nile Virus Website (tinyurl.com/j6sejd83)
California West Nile Virus Dashboard (westnile.ca.gov/)
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Lisa Almaguer
Public Information Officer
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
2080 E 20th Street, Suite 180 | Chico, CA 95928
T: 530.552.4000 | D: 530.552.4041
Nationally Accredited since 09/13/17
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