COVID-19 deaths rise by eight; recoveries reach over 12,700

On Wednesday, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency reported that the total number of people who have had COVID-19 in Tulare County was at 13,673. The total number of active cases of COVID-19 in the county is 713.

There have been 68 cases reported as travel-related, 4,436 cases due to person-to-person contact and 9,169 cases are under investigation. 459 individuals in Tulare County under self-quarantine and being monitored by Tulare County Public Health officials.

There have been 1,845 cases ages 0-17, 2,160 cases ages 18-25, 3,938 cases ages 26-40, 4,271 cases ages 41-64 and 1,449 cases ages 65 and older.

There have been 7,605 cases who have been Hispanic, 1,284 have been Caucasian, 216 have been Asian, 52 have been African-american, 27 have been Native American, 242 have been multi-race and 4,247 are unknown.

The number of people in Tulare County who have recovered after testing positive for COVID-19 is now at 12,736.

The county reported eight new deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths in Tulare County due to COVID-19 to 224. The state model is projecting a significant decrease in the number of deaths in Tulare County, estimating 257 deaths by September 24.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tulare County decreased and is now down to 49, which is the lowest it’s been since late June.

There are 592 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home cases in Tulare County.

There have been 2,169 cases in the Porterville area, 137 cases in Terra Bella, 184 cases in Strathmore, 594 cases in Lindsay, 36 cases in foothill-mountain communities, 122 cases in Richgrove, 574 cases in Earlimart, 264 cases in Pixley, 82 cases in Tipton, 2,063 cases in Tulare, 1,561 cases in Dinuba, 41 cases in Goshen, 75 cases in Traver, 231 cases in Woodlake, 282 cases in Cutler, 514 cases in Orosi, 11 cases in the Reedley area, 11 cases in Orange Cove, 266 cases in Exeter, 383 cases in

Farmersville and 145 cases in Ivanhoe.

In Visalia there have been 1,704 cases in one region, 951 cases in another region and 1,118 cases in a third region.

West Nile Virus activity detected in Tulare County

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency is asking Tulare County residents to be vigilant and take precautions against mosquito bites, as mosquito samples positive for West Nile Virus have been detected in multiple locations within the county. In addition, samples indicate that St.

Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) may also be present, posing a risk to the public.

“Due to this increased activity, we strongly encourage residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile Virus and SLEV through mosquito bites,” shared Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, and there is no vaccine or medication to

treat the virus. Most people infected with West Nile will have no symptoms; however, about 1 in 5 people will develop a fever with other symptoms.

The St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) is in the same virus family as West Nile Virus. Both viruses are transmitted to humans when bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with SLEV will have few to no symptoms. The most common symptoms are mild, flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, from 5 to 15 days after being

infected. Severe cases can affect the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis and/ or encephalitis, and can result in death or longterm disability.

Residents are urged to increase their awareness of potential breeding grounds around their properties. Be on the lookout for homes that are unoccupied or in foreclosure, since many have swimming pools or backyard ponds that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

It is recommended that residents take the following precautions to avoid being bitten, thereby reducing the opportunity for exposure to both West Nile Virus and SLEV:

• Use an effective mosquito repellent such as DEET. Always follow label instructions carefully.

• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

• Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.

• Repair or replace door and window screens that have tears or holes.

Horses are also particularly susceptible to infection with West Nile Virus, but there is a vaccine for horses to prevent these diseases, and horse owners should have their horses vaccinated annually and keep vaccinations up to date as a preventive measure.

For more information, visit the California West Nile website at http:// westnile.ca.gov/.