2 People Tested Positive with West Nile Virus in Fresno County

Public Health Department, Fresno County announced two people tested positive of West Nile Virus in Fresno County. Five other cases are showing symptoms but are waiting for test results. These incidences are a reminder that everyone should take precautions. Protection from mosquito bites is must to avoid the infection. The health department of Fresno County is working with the district of Consolidated Mosquito Abatement and Central California Blood Center. They are collaborating to create awareness about West Nile Virus.

The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District collected samples in central Fresno. Around 120 samples resulted positive for West Nile Virus. Samples from Southwest Visalia also tested positive. The District of Delta Vector Control and Health and Human Service Agency, Tulare County reported the finding of sample testing. In 2018, around fourteen cases of people were reported. These people showed symptoms such as body aches, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Vector Control District and Fresno Mosquito set around 119 mosquito traps in last year.

The Public Health Department of Fresno County is suggesting people take precautions. Standing water and dark clothing attract mosquitos. The Association American Mosquito Control suggests people. Follow the 3Ds of precautions. Drain, Dress, and Defend are the 3Ds of precaution. These precautions include emptying water of containers once a week, wearing long sleeves, light-colored, long pants, loose-fitted clothing. Applying DEET containing insect repellent, use of picaridin, IR 3535, use lemon eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, citronella oil, patchouli oil, thyme oil, clove oil and eliminating standing water sources also gives protection from mosquito bites. The Vector Control District suggests, cleaning water drains and swamp coolers, and changing the water in dispensers and pet bowl frequently. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, technical advisor encouraging neighbors to eliminate water sources on their property is essential for a community-wide control program. Mosquitoes need water to survive. Therefore, eliminating water sources can help to remove mosquito’s offspring.