West Nile cases in Kern up to 78

The Bakersfield Californian | Tuesday, Aug 21 2007 10:05 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Aug 21 2007 10:08 PM

The rise in West Nile virus cases doesn't appear to be slowing.

In California, 137 people were sickened by the mosquito-borne virus as of Tuesday, according to the state Department of Public Health. Kern County has seen 14 more cases -- 78 total -- the most of any county.

The county with the next highest number of cases is Fresno with nine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shows Kern having the most cases of any county in the country.

Seven Californians have died from the virus this year; three were in Kern.
It could still be a couple of weeks before the outcome of the recent aerial sprayings to kill adult mosquitoes in metropolitan Bakersfield will be known, the county Department of Public Health has said.

To avoid getting West Nile, local and state agencies urge residents to:
* 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 whenever possible.
* Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions.
* Make sure the doors and windows in your home 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's toll-free hot line at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) upon finding a dead bird or squirrel.
* Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.
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