The Public Health department reported Tuesday the first two human cases of West Nile Virus this year in Kern County, with the possibility another five people had been infected pending further testing.
Health officials step up monitoring from June through October. No cases were reported for the first third of that time frame this year.
“For years now human WNV infections have been found in Kern County residents.” said Public Health Officer Dr. Claudia Jonah in a news release. “These cases are a glaring example of the need for individuals to always keep in mind that they must “fight the mosquito bite” in Kern County.”
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, public health officials noted. Of the people who do develop illness, they usually begin experiencing symptoms from 5 to 15 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Officials emphasized what they call the '3 Ds' of prevention:
DUSK/DAWN: Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two hours after sunset. Also make sure that the screens on your doors/windows are properly placed and secure and use protective clothing if going outdoors.
DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions and do not forget to reapply as recommended.
DRAIN: Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
For more information the public was encouraged to contact the Public Health department at (661) 321-3000 or through the Website www.kernpublichealth.com.
Health officials step up monitoring from June through October. No cases were reported for the first third of that time frame this year.
“For years now human WNV infections have been found in Kern County residents.” said Public Health Officer Dr. Claudia Jonah in a news release. “These cases are a glaring example of the need for individuals to always keep in mind that they must “fight the mosquito bite” in Kern County.”
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, public health officials noted. Of the people who do develop illness, they usually begin experiencing symptoms from 5 to 15 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Officials emphasized what they call the '3 Ds' of prevention:
DUSK/DAWN: Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two hours after sunset. Also make sure that the screens on your doors/windows are properly placed and secure and use protective clothing if going outdoors.
DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions and do not forget to reapply as recommended.
DRAIN: Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
For more information the public was encouraged to contact the Public Health department at (661) 321-3000 or through the Website www.kernpublichealth.com.