The Bakersfield Californian | Tuesday, Sep 18 2007 8:45 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Sep 18 2007 8:49 PM
Eight more cases of West Nile Virus were reported in the past week in Kern County, the California Department of Public Health said Tuesday. This brings the total cases here this year to 115.
The statewide number is 245, according to the department's Web site
Last week, seven new cases of West Nile virus were reported in Kern.
We're "still in the single digit numbers," said Daniele Kim, spokesman for the Kern County Department of Public Health. "I think what we're seeing is a downward trend overall."
Earlier this year, the number of new cases being reported here was in the double digits.
If you're going to the Kern County Fair, you may want to stop by the department's booth in commercial building three. The department will be giving away mosquito repellent wipes.
Aging & Adult Services will also have free samples at its booth.
http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/239853.html
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Virus' spread slowing
Aerial spraying may have played role, but vigilance
still needed, officials say
BY EMILY HAGEDORN, Californian staff writer
e-mail: ehagedorn@bakersfield.com | Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 9:30 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 9:37 PM
Kern County's count of West Nile virus cases now stands at 107, but the rate of new diagnoses is decreasing, new state numbers show.
Interim County Public Health Officer Dr. Claudia Jonah discussed Kern's bout of West Nile and what can be done about it at Tuesday's county supervisors meeting.
"The mosquitoes are not selective," Jonah said, pointing to a slide that showed the number of infections in men and women. "Basically, we all need to be cautious and use prevention."
Two hundred twelve people have been sickened by the mosquito-borne disease in the state this year, according to the state Department of Public Health on Tuesday.
Kern had seven cases over the last week compared to nine cases the week before and 13 new cases the week before that.
The aerial pesticide spraying a month ago is partly responsible for the decrease, said Dr. Boyce Dulan, director of disease control.
"I'm hoping that there are fewer mosquitoes that can bite, but more importantly, there are more people who are using preventive measures," he said. "All you need
is a group of people in an area where you've got a lot of mosquitoes, and the numbers will spike again."
Risk from sumps?
Public health employees visited the home of one of the four Kern residents who died from West Nile virus, Supervisor Michael Rubio pointed out at Tuesday's
county supervisors meeting.
"You need to go out there and see that site," he said.
Jonah said a lot of information is gained by the questionnaire filled out for every case, but visits to the homes of those who died from the virus could be put into the county's West Nile response plan.
Rubio directed Jonah to update the response plan, which was written in 2004, and, by the end of the year, to convene the West Nile task force, which is composed of public health, environmental health, the agricultural commissioner and the abatement districts.
While the group hasn't officially met this year, the members have regularly been working together to fight the virus, Jonah said.
Supervisor Mike Maggard is concerned that sumps and water recharge areas are feeding the spread of West Nile virus, especially in northeast Bakersfield. He made a referral for county personnel to study the link, look to budget additional funds to treat the sumps and find additional funding beyond the county budget.
An increase in West Nile-positive mosquitoes hasn't been found in that area, Jonah said.
Supervisor Ray Watson suggested a warning system to tell residents when their West Nile risk is high.
"We would not want to get into a message that says, 'Today the risk is high; tomorrow you can relax,'" Jonah said. "It is here. People should not take any
day off from West Nile virus prevention."
New money
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially broadened the scope of last month's emergency $10 million allocation to fight the West Nile virus Monday night.
Rubio's request to the state for funds for the county health department last week was a factor in the state's decision to do this, said Suanne Buggy, spokeswoman for the state health department.
The funds, which originally were earmarked for mosquito abatement, can now be used for public education, outreach to the medical community and surveillance of high-risk areas by the state health department, according to a news release.
Thirty-five counties have received $4.5 million from the fund so far.
The local health department requested $285,193, which would pay for an epidemiologist, a public health nurse to follow up on diagnosed West Nile cases, a medical investigator to work on identifying cases earlier at hospitals and clinics and personnel to revise the county's West Nile action plan.
Kern will receive some new funds, but the state hasn't decided how much, Buggy said.
still needed, officials say
BY EMILY HAGEDORN, Californian staff writer
e-mail: ehagedorn@bakersfield.com | Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 9:30 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 9:37 PM
Kern County's count of West Nile virus cases now stands at 107, but the rate of new diagnoses is decreasing, new state numbers show.
Interim County Public Health Officer Dr. Claudia Jonah discussed Kern's bout of West Nile and what can be done about it at Tuesday's county supervisors meeting.
"The mosquitoes are not selective," Jonah said, pointing to a slide that showed the number of infections in men and women. "Basically, we all need to be cautious and use prevention."
Two hundred twelve people have been sickened by the mosquito-borne disease in the state this year, according to the state Department of Public Health on Tuesday.
Kern had seven cases over the last week compared to nine cases the week before and 13 new cases the week before that.
The aerial pesticide spraying a month ago is partly responsible for the decrease, said Dr. Boyce Dulan, director of disease control.
"I'm hoping that there are fewer mosquitoes that can bite, but more importantly, there are more people who are using preventive measures," he said. "All you need
is a group of people in an area where you've got a lot of mosquitoes, and the numbers will spike again."
Risk from sumps?
Public health employees visited the home of one of the four Kern residents who died from West Nile virus, Supervisor Michael Rubio pointed out at Tuesday's
county supervisors meeting.
"You need to go out there and see that site," he said.
Jonah said a lot of information is gained by the questionnaire filled out for every case, but visits to the homes of those who died from the virus could be put into the county's West Nile response plan.
Rubio directed Jonah to update the response plan, which was written in 2004, and, by the end of the year, to convene the West Nile task force, which is composed of public health, environmental health, the agricultural commissioner and the abatement districts.
While the group hasn't officially met this year, the members have regularly been working together to fight the virus, Jonah said.
Supervisor Mike Maggard is concerned that sumps and water recharge areas are feeding the spread of West Nile virus, especially in northeast Bakersfield. He made a referral for county personnel to study the link, look to budget additional funds to treat the sumps and find additional funding beyond the county budget.
An increase in West Nile-positive mosquitoes hasn't been found in that area, Jonah said.
Supervisor Ray Watson suggested a warning system to tell residents when their West Nile risk is high.
"We would not want to get into a message that says, 'Today the risk is high; tomorrow you can relax,'" Jonah said. "It is here. People should not take any
day off from West Nile virus prevention."
New money
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially broadened the scope of last month's emergency $10 million allocation to fight the West Nile virus Monday night.
Rubio's request to the state for funds for the county health department last week was a factor in the state's decision to do this, said Suanne Buggy, spokeswoman for the state health department.
The funds, which originally were earmarked for mosquito abatement, can now be used for public education, outreach to the medical community and surveillance of high-risk areas by the state health department, according to a news release.
Thirty-five counties have received $4.5 million from the fund so far.
The local health department requested $285,193, which would pay for an epidemiologist, a public health nurse to follow up on diagnosed West Nile cases, a medical investigator to work on identifying cases earlier at hospitals and clinics and personnel to revise the county's West Nile action plan.
Kern will receive some new funds, but the state hasn't decided how much, Buggy said.
West Nile fund use broadens
The Bakersfield Californian | Monday, Sep 10 2007 9:40 PM
Last Updated: Monday, Sep 10 2007 9:44 PM
Last month's emergency $10 million allocation to fight West Nile virus now has a broader scope of actions for which the funds can be applied.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday expanded uses for the money to include public education, outreach to the medical community and aggressive surveillance of high risk areas by the California Department of Public Health, according to a news statement.
"Protecting public safety is government's top job," Schwarzenegger said. "That's why I'm committed to ensuring our local agencies have all the tools they need to fight this deadly mosquito-borne disease."
On Aug. 2 in Bakersfield, Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency in Kern, Colusa and San Joaquin counties and ordered the funding, which pays for vector control agencies to identify mosquito habitat, treat areas and conduct surveillance and warning operations, the statement said.
Nearly $4.5 million has been distributed to 35 counties. Infections this year are three times higher than the same time last year. In California there have been 10 deaths and 198 cases in 24 counties.
Last Updated: Monday, Sep 10 2007 9:44 PM
Last month's emergency $10 million allocation to fight West Nile virus now has a broader scope of actions for which the funds can be applied.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday expanded uses for the money to include public education, outreach to the medical community and aggressive surveillance of high risk areas by the California Department of Public Health, according to a news statement.
"Protecting public safety is government's top job," Schwarzenegger said. "That's why I'm committed to ensuring our local agencies have all the tools they need to fight this deadly mosquito-borne disease."
On Aug. 2 in Bakersfield, Schwarzenegger declared a State of Emergency in Kern, Colusa and San Joaquin counties and ordered the funding, which pays for vector control agencies to identify mosquito habitat, treat areas and conduct surveillance and warning operations, the statement said.
Nearly $4.5 million has been distributed to 35 counties. Infections this year are three times higher than the same time last year. In California there have been 10 deaths and 198 cases in 24 counties.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Officials target 1,200 pools
Mosquito abatement staff to visit those left untended
BY EMILY HAGEDORN, Californian staff writer
e-mail: ehagedorn@bakersfield.com | Thursday, Sep 6
2007 10:25 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Sep 6 2007 11:03 PM
Twelve hundred swimming pools suspected of being
mosquito breeding grounds were found in a recent
aerial survey of metropolitan Bakersfield.
The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District got the
final photos this week and has been working to treat
the pools, starting with the greenest and most
unkempt-looking, said Manager Rob Quiring.
The number surprised him.
"I would have thought maybe 500 pools," Quiring said.
"Those won't all be breeding sources, but it's pools
that we would like to look at."
Untended pools left behind in the recent real estate
downturn have been blamed for contributing to Kern's
high number of West Nile virus cases this year.
One hundred Kern County residents have been infected
with the mosquito-borne virus; 185 people have been
infected in the state, according to the state
Department of Public Health.
"Within a few days, these pools turn green and the
mosquitoes get interested in them," said Gene Abbott, superintendent of the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, at the town hall meeting on the virus Tuesday night. "These pools can put out thousands of mosquitoes per night."
The vector control district has been treating pools
throughout this season, but now with the last of the
aerial photos completed, staff will be working six
days a week sussing out the threat, Quiring said.
If someone lives on a property with a green pool, the
abatement employees will make contact with the owners
and set up a time to treat the pool, usually with an alcohol-based chemical to suffocate the adult mosquitoes and a bacteria that kills the larvae, Quiring said.
Both break down naturally in the water and won't
damage the pools.
If a home is vacated, employees will enter the
property and along with the two methods, they will
also put guppylike fish in the pool to eat mosquitoes,
he said.
Abandoned pools only became an abatement issue in June
or July -- halfway through the season, Quiring said.
Next year, he plans to have surveys done in April and
in June or July.
"In a normal year, pools wouldn't be that much of a
problem," he said.
"It just kind of snowballed with the downturn in the
real estate market."
Avoiding West Nile virus
To avoid West Nile virus, county and state health
departments recommend that residents:
• Eliminate all sources of stagnant or standing water
where mosquitoes can breed.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when
mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants while outdoors.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or
oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label
instructions.
• Make sure the doors and windows have tight-fitting
screens with no holes or tears.
• Contact your mosquito abatement district if there is
a significant mosquito problem where you live or work,
for a supply of mosquito fish to control larvae in
troughs and ponds or to report an abandoned, stagnant
swimming pool. Call the Kern Mosquito and Vector
Control District at 589-2744, Westside Mosquito
Abatement District at 763-3510, Delano Mosquito
Abatement District at 725-3114 or South Fork Mosquito
Abatement District at 760-376-4268.
• Call the state toll-free hot line at 877-WNV-BIRD
(877-968-2473) if you find a dead bird or squirrel.
• Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.
BY EMILY HAGEDORN, Californian staff writer
e-mail: ehagedorn@bakersfield.com | Thursday, Sep 6
2007 10:25 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Sep 6 2007 11:03 PM
Twelve hundred swimming pools suspected of being
mosquito breeding grounds were found in a recent
aerial survey of metropolitan Bakersfield.
The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District got the
final photos this week and has been working to treat
the pools, starting with the greenest and most
unkempt-looking, said Manager Rob Quiring.
The number surprised him.
"I would have thought maybe 500 pools," Quiring said.
"Those won't all be breeding sources, but it's pools
that we would like to look at."
Untended pools left behind in the recent real estate
downturn have been blamed for contributing to Kern's
high number of West Nile virus cases this year.
One hundred Kern County residents have been infected
with the mosquito-borne virus; 185 people have been
infected in the state, according to the state
Department of Public Health.
"Within a few days, these pools turn green and the
mosquitoes get interested in them," said Gene Abbott, superintendent of the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District, at the town hall meeting on the virus Tuesday night. "These pools can put out thousands of mosquitoes per night."
The vector control district has been treating pools
throughout this season, but now with the last of the
aerial photos completed, staff will be working six
days a week sussing out the threat, Quiring said.
If someone lives on a property with a green pool, the
abatement employees will make contact with the owners
and set up a time to treat the pool, usually with an alcohol-based chemical to suffocate the adult mosquitoes and a bacteria that kills the larvae, Quiring said.
Both break down naturally in the water and won't
damage the pools.
If a home is vacated, employees will enter the
property and along with the two methods, they will
also put guppylike fish in the pool to eat mosquitoes,
he said.
Abandoned pools only became an abatement issue in June
or July -- halfway through the season, Quiring said.
Next year, he plans to have surveys done in April and
in June or July.
"In a normal year, pools wouldn't be that much of a
problem," he said.
"It just kind of snowballed with the downturn in the
real estate market."
Avoiding West Nile virus
To avoid West Nile virus, county and state health
departments recommend that residents:
• Eliminate all sources of stagnant or standing water
where mosquitoes can breed.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when
mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants while outdoors.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or
oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label
instructions.
• Make sure the doors and windows have tight-fitting
screens with no holes or tears.
• Contact your mosquito abatement district if there is
a significant mosquito problem where you live or work,
for a supply of mosquito fish to control larvae in
troughs and ponds or to report an abandoned, stagnant
swimming pool. Call the Kern Mosquito and Vector
Control District at 589-2744, Westside Mosquito
Abatement District at 763-3510, Delano Mosquito
Abatement District at 725-3114 or South Fork Mosquito
Abatement District at 760-376-4268.
• Call the state toll-free hot line at 877-WNV-BIRD
(877-968-2473) if you find a dead bird or squirrel.
• Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.
Doctors on watch for West Nile
Flu-like symptoms scrutinized as virus risk persists.
By Cyndee Fontana / The Fresno Bee
09/04/07 03:52:02
More information
How to report
Hot line: (877) 968-2473 to report dead birds or dead squirrels to the California Department of Health Services.
Information: www.westnile.ca.gov
It usually starts with a mosquito bite.
Then, maybe a fever. Headache. Nausea. Even -- in rare and extreme cases -- tremors, numbness and paralysis.
While those symptoms can signal a range of illnesses, many doctors will test for West Nile virus -- especially if patients remember the bite. Health department and hospital officials in Fresno, Tulare and Madera counties say doctors size up symptoms and patient history in deciding when to screen for the virus.
West Nile virus is a neuroinvasive disease generally spread by mosquitoes as they feed on birds, horses and humans. California is experiencing an upswing in cases as birds and mosquitoes flock to urban areas in search of water.
State and local health officials say it's important to diagnose West Nile to track the disease, focus public education efforts and target mosquito problems. There is no specific treatment for West Nile; doctors treat the symptoms that develop.
"There's nothing magical that you can give" for the virus, said David Luchini, division manager of the communicable disease division in the Fresno County Department of Community Health.
Most people who contract the virus don't show any signs. About 20% display flu-like symptoms that may not require a doctor's care. Fewer than 1% develop an illness such as encephalitis or meningitis that can be fatal.
This year, according to the California Department of Public Health, there have been 172 human cases reported. More than half are from Kern County.
Ten people have died, including a 90-year-old man in Fresno.
The state also tests birds and other animals to track West Nile activity.
State public health guidelines recommend tests for people with encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and certain types of paralysis. Tests also may be given to people who have an illness compatible with West Nile that lasts a week or more.
Krickett Pal, infection control coordinator at Madera Community Hospital, said doctors usually ask about mosquito bites if someone exhibits symptoms that could be West Nile.
"Most people remember the mosquito bite," she said. If symptoms are compatible, doctors screen for West Nile. No cases have been reported in Madera County this year.
Dr. Daniel Boken, an infectious disease practitioner with the Kaweah Delta Health Care District in Visalia, said officials work to promote awareness in case someone has symptoms consistent with West Nile.
Diagnosing the virus helps eliminate other possible causes for an illness, he said. Tulare County hasn't reported any cases this year.
Fresno County's confirmed fatality was Ernest Nave, who died July 23 at Saint Agnes Medical Center.
Kelley Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the medical center, said doctors determine whether to test for the virus based on a patient's symptoms and history. Nave was tested, she said.
An official with Community Medical Centers said they have seen one case this year, compared to none in 2006 and five in 2005.
State and local officials say people older than 50 and those with chronic medical conditions are more likely to suffer serious complications from West Nile.
Luchini said the risk coincides with the summer season. People should continue to take precautions such as wearing mosquito repellent.
The reporter can be reached at cfontana@fresnobee.com or(559) 441-6312.
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By Cyndee Fontana / The Fresno Bee
09/04/07 03:52:02
More information
How to report
Hot line: (877) 968-2473 to report dead birds or dead squirrels to the California Department of Health Services.
Information: www.westnile.ca.gov
It usually starts with a mosquito bite.
Then, maybe a fever. Headache. Nausea. Even -- in rare and extreme cases -- tremors, numbness and paralysis.
While those symptoms can signal a range of illnesses, many doctors will test for West Nile virus -- especially if patients remember the bite. Health department and hospital officials in Fresno, Tulare and Madera counties say doctors size up symptoms and patient history in deciding when to screen for the virus.
West Nile virus is a neuroinvasive disease generally spread by mosquitoes as they feed on birds, horses and humans. California is experiencing an upswing in cases as birds and mosquitoes flock to urban areas in search of water.
State and local health officials say it's important to diagnose West Nile to track the disease, focus public education efforts and target mosquito problems. There is no specific treatment for West Nile; doctors treat the symptoms that develop.
"There's nothing magical that you can give" for the virus, said David Luchini, division manager of the communicable disease division in the Fresno County Department of Community Health.
Most people who contract the virus don't show any signs. About 20% display flu-like symptoms that may not require a doctor's care. Fewer than 1% develop an illness such as encephalitis or meningitis that can be fatal.
This year, according to the California Department of Public Health, there have been 172 human cases reported. More than half are from Kern County.
Ten people have died, including a 90-year-old man in Fresno.
The state also tests birds and other animals to track West Nile activity.
State public health guidelines recommend tests for people with encephalitis, aseptic meningitis and certain types of paralysis. Tests also may be given to people who have an illness compatible with West Nile that lasts a week or more.
Krickett Pal, infection control coordinator at Madera Community Hospital, said doctors usually ask about mosquito bites if someone exhibits symptoms that could be West Nile.
"Most people remember the mosquito bite," she said. If symptoms are compatible, doctors screen for West Nile. No cases have been reported in Madera County this year.
Dr. Daniel Boken, an infectious disease practitioner with the Kaweah Delta Health Care District in Visalia, said officials work to promote awareness in case someone has symptoms consistent with West Nile.
Diagnosing the virus helps eliminate other possible causes for an illness, he said. Tulare County hasn't reported any cases this year.
Fresno County's confirmed fatality was Ernest Nave, who died July 23 at Saint Agnes Medical Center.
Kelley Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the medical center, said doctors determine whether to test for the virus based on a patient's symptoms and history. Nave was tested, she said.
An official with Community Medical Centers said they have seen one case this year, compared to none in 2006 and five in 2005.
State and local officials say people older than 50 and those with chronic medical conditions are more likely to suffer serious complications from West Nile.
Luchini said the risk coincides with the summer season. People should continue to take precautions such as wearing mosquito repellent.
The reporter can be reached at cfontana@fresnobee.com or(559) 441-6312.
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