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Tag: mosquito bite

  • Roseville man becomes first in Placer County to die from West Nile virus this year

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    A Roseville man has become the first person to die this season from West Nile virus in Placer County, the Placer Mosquito & Vector Control District said Monday.“We’re saddened to learn of this individual’s passing, and extend our sympathies to their loved ones,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, health officer and director of Health and Human Services, in a news release. “Simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites. Let’s keep up those habits, together.”While the man was not identified, he is the fifth West Nile-related death reported in California this year, the district said. Of the 54 confirmed human cases, five of those cases came from Placer County.How to avoid West NileThe virus is transmitted by a mosquito bite.The district shared the following information to reduce the likelihood of contracting West Nile.Eliminate all sources of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, including on flowerpots, old tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. You can call the district at 916-380-5444 to report a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained.Use repellents approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Wear proper clothing and repellent when outside in the early morning and evening.Residents can also call the district for any help controlling mosquitoes around their home.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    ROSEVILLE, Calif. —

    A Roseville man has become the first person to die this season from West Nile virus in Placer County, the Placer Mosquito & Vector Control District said Monday.

    “We’re saddened to learn of this individual’s passing, and extend our sympathies to their loved ones,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, health officer and director of Health and Human Services, in a news release. “Simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites. Let’s keep up those habits, together.”

    While the man was not identified, he is the fifth West Nile-related death reported in California this year, the district said. Of the 54 confirmed human cases, five of those cases came from Placer County.

    How to avoid West Nile

    The virus is transmitted by a mosquito bite.

    The district shared the following information to reduce the likelihood of contracting West Nile.

    Eliminate all sources of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, including on flowerpots, old tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. You can call the district at 916-380-5444 to report a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained.

    Use repellents approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Wear proper clothing and repellent when outside in the early morning and evening.

    Residents can also call the district for any help controlling mosquitoes around their home.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in L.A. County

    Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in L.A. County

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    Los Angeles County has detected mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus for the first time this year.

    The mosquitoes were recovered from a trap in the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District said Saturday.

    “While the presence of West Nile Virus in our community is not unusual, this early detection serves as a critical reminder for all residents to take preventative actions,” said Steve Vetrone, the director of scientific and technical services at the vector control district, in a prepared statement. “We urge everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.”

    The main spreader of the West Nile virus in California is the culex mosquito, which becomes infected with the virus by feeding on the blood of infected birds. The disease is usually spread to humans through mosquito bites.

    About 20% of people infected with West Nile virus have symptoms, which can include fevers, headaches, body aches, nausea, skin rashes and fatigue. In rare cases, the infections can lead to serious brain and spinal cord inflammation. People who are 60 and older have a higher risk of complications.

    There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. Public health officials say the best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves and pants in mosquito-infested areas.

    It also helps to eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed. Experts recommend emptying out any standing water in rain gutters, buckets, planters or any other area that can hold water for more than a week.

    Neglected swimming pools with green water can also be reported to the local vector control district for treatment.

    Experts have warned that California’s record-breaking rainfall could lead to a boom in the mosquito population and an increase in West Nile virus.

    There were 461 cases of West Nile in humans in California last year, and 19 were fatal, according to the California Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance and Response Program.

    The number of mosquitoes with West Nile virus in the Golden State rose about 78% between 2013 and 2023, the program said.

    California has reported 25 samples of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus so far this year, up from five at the same time last year, according to the data. Of those 25, 18 were found in Riverside County.

    The state has also reported 17 dead birds carrying the virus, up from 14 at the same time last year.

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    Laura J. Nelson

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