West Nile cases surge in Kern County

Last Update: Aug 7, 2007 4:47 PM
Posted By: Megan Trihey
Posted 8/7/07

BAKERSFIELD - There are 14 more human West Nile Virus cases in California, the state announced this afternoon, and 10 of the 14 are in Kern County. That's an increase of more than 30 percent since last week.

Kern County remains the epicenter of this year's West Nile infections. There are 78 human cases statewide. Of those, 48 are in Kern County.

There have been five deaths from WNV this year. Gov. Schwarzenegger came to Bakersfield Thursday to declare a state of emergency in four counties where there have been deaths -- Kern, Kings, Colusa and San Joaquin. Two of the deaths were in Kern.

The state department of health says the best way to avoid WNV is to avoid mosquito bites.

To do that, the state suggests what it calls a 3-D plan:

Drain all sources of standing water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding Sources may include children's wading pools, empty flower pots, buckets, barrels and other containers

DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus containing insect repellents should be applied when outdoors. Follow the directions on the package. More information on mosquito repellents may be found by clicking here.

DUSK and DAWN - Avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

The state department of health lists these symptoms of West Nile Virus

Less than one percent (about 1 in 150 people) of individuals infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. WN virus infection can be fatal.

Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms generally last for just a few days, although even previously healthy people have been sick for several weeks.
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms.

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