Tehama County has its first human case of West Nile virus for 2012, according to Tehama County Health Officer Dr. Richard Wickenheiser.
The patient is an adult who was hospitalized but is now recovering at home, The Daily News in Red Bluff reported, www.redbluffdailynews.com
West Nile virus is a potentially serious disease that is spread to humans and horses by mosquitoes.
This is turning out to be the worst year ever for West Nile virus.
The Centers for Disease Control have received reports of 2,636 cases of West Nile virus in people across the United States, with 118 deaths. Two-thirds of these cases are in Texas, Louisiana, South Dakota, Mississippi, Michigan and Oklahoma, with 40 percent of those in Texas alone. California accounts for 92 of those cases, almost double the count in 2011.
Because of the Tehama County case and cases reported in surrounding counties, residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, Wickenheiser said.
He said the easiest and best way to prevent mosquito bites is by remembering the five D's:
* DEET — When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the package.
* DAWN and DUSK — Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. If you must go outside, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
* DOORS — Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
* DRAIN — remove standing water from flowerpots, buckets and barrels to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Change the water in pet dishes daily, and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not being used.
People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after the infected mosquito bites them. Most individuals who are infected with West Nile do not experience any symptoms, but 20 percent of infections produce fever, rash, headaches and body aches.
People 50 and older and those with chronic medical conditions are most likely to develop complications from West Nile Virus, so protect these members of your family.
Horses are susceptible to West Nile virus also, and 20 to 30 percent of these horses die. There is a vaccine to prevent West Nile virus in horses, and horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians.
Mosquitoes get West Nile virus from infected birds. If you see a dead bird, do not touch or pick it up; instead, report it by calling: 1-877-WNVBIRD (1-877-968-2473).
You may report it online at www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php