Amador County – El Dorado County Environmental Management and Health Services received confirmation Wednesday that a bird found in El Dorado County has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first such confirmation in El Dorado County for 2011.
The bird, a swallow, was found Aug. 22 south of the town of El Dorado. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in El Dorado County this year.
Fred Sanford, supervising environmental health specialist with Environmental Management said: “Confirmation of our first West Nile virus-positive birds means the virus is circulating in the community and there is a heightened risk of infection in humans. Residents are urged to take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
No cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Amador County this year. There have been 20 confirmed human cases in California this year, in 10 different counties. And 14 other counties have confirmed cases in birds or other mammals.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus when they feed on infected birds. The illness is not spread from person-to-person.
Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. However, some people may experience high fever, severe headache, tiredness and/or a stiff neck, which may last several days to several weeks. Most serious cases of West Nile virus infection can lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal.
To reduce risk of mosquitoes bites, Sanford recommends draining standing water around property and keeping water in swimming pools, ponds and troughs circulated or treated with “Mosquito Dunks” or mosquito fish.
Apply insect repellent on exposed skin when outdoors among mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Dress in long sleeves and long pants. Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens, in good condition.
Report dead birds and tree squirrels on the state hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at westnile.ca.gov.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
