West Nile found in San Joaquin County mosquitoes

Health officials warn residents to be cautious after storms boost mosquito population

San Joaquin County officials have found cases of West Nile virus for the first time this year. Samples that test positive for the virus have been found in the zip codes 95366 and 95367, according to San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program.

“This find serves as a reminder that mosquitoes carry disease that can harm humans. The district does its part in controlling mosquitoes, however mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility,” said Ed Lucchesi, manager of the district. “Adult mosquito control activities will increase in accordance with our surveillance results.”

According to Vector Control public information officer Aaron Devencenzi, West Nile is prominent in the warmer months during late spring, summer and early fall. In the last 10 years, Devencenzi said, the species that potentially carries West Nile virus has hit an historically high population in the county. San Joaquin County Public Health Department epidemiologists said the number of cases in San Joaquin County have been fairly steady, with an average of nine cases per year in the past five years and 2015 being exceptionally low. Approximately four people have died from West Nile virus in San Joaquin County over the past five years.

According to San Joaquin County Public Health Department Public Information Coordinator Krista Dommer, there might be a lot more people infected with West Nile virus than officially reported because a majority of people can take care of the symptoms at home and don’t go to the hospital.

Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms at all, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, back pain, muscle aches, lack of appetite sore throat, nausea, vomiting abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the San Joaquin County Public Health Department.

Symptoms usually last for three to six days.

More severe symptoms include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion and loss of consciousness. The county public health department urges those experiencing severe symptoms to seek prompt attention.

Residents and visitors of San Joaquin County can reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by eliminating all sources of standing water on their properties, applying

insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, avoiding time outside when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts outside and installing tight fitting screen doors.

Residents are also encouraged to contact a veterinarian for information on equine vaccinations, to report mosquito infestations to San Joaquin County Mosquito

and Vector Control District and to report dead birds or tree squirrels.