By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency Wednesday in Kings County to provide funds to fight the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, which killed a Lemoore woman last week.
The declaration came a day after the county Board of Supervisors decided it isn't necessary to seek an emergency status.
On Tuesday, public health and mosquito abatement officials told the board that West Nile activities are on the decline, despite a popular perception caused by the death of a 59-year-old woman.
"I think the governor's being consistent with himself by declaring emergency where death has occurred as a result of West Nile and making sure that funds are available," said Larry Spikes, Kings County administrative officer.
The governor last week declared a state of emergency in Kern, Colusa and San Joaquin counties, where West Nile has killed four people so far this year.
The disease's epicenter lies in Kern County, which has seen two-thirds of the state's 56 West Nile cases this year including two deaths last month. The state's third and fourth fatalies were announced last week in San Joaquin and Colusa counties.
The recent case in Kings County marks the fifth fatality in the state.
Michael Cavanaugh, Kings Mosquito Abatement director, told the board that most mosquito pools are under control.
Perry Rickard, director of the Kings County Helath Department, has said funding available at the state level is so meager that Kings County should let other counties that are truly in need apply for the aid.
West Nile is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
Most infected people never get sick, but about one in five people develop mostly mild flu-like symptoms. Severe symptoms, such as fatal brain inflammation, are rare.
Health officials recommend people avoid infection by staying inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active; wearing long sleeves and long pants to keep off mosquitoes; draining areas where mosquitoes can breed; and using insecticide with the chemical DEET.
The reporter can be reached at 582-0471, ext. 3059.
(Aug. 9, 2007)
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