Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit it to people and other animals through their bites. Designed by Magnific

 

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - West Nile virus activity continues to increase in Butte County, where 11 human cases and two deaths have now been reported as mosquito surveillance identifies additional signs of the virus.

The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed two new West Nile-positive mosquito pools and eight additional sentinel chickens that tested positive for the virus.

The latest findings follow the county's first detections in early July, when two mosquito pools collected near Dayton and Nelson tested positive. At the time, District Manager Matthew Ball urged residents to take precautions as mosquito populations increased.

"It's imperative that county residents be aware that WNV is active and to avoid mosquito bites by whatever means necessary," Ball said. "Residents are urged to do their part to prevent mosquitoes from breeding by inspecting and eliminating all standing water from their properties."

Butte County reported its first West Nile-related death Aug. 13. At that time, six human infections had been confirmed in the county, according to Butte County Public Health. The latest figures of 11 cases and two deaths show the number has continued to grow.

West Nile virus typically remains active from May through October, with August historically the peak month for activity in Butte County. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds and can then transmit it to people and other animals through their bites.

Most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms. About one in five experience fever, fatigue, body aches or other mild to moderate symptoms. Fewer than one in 150 develop severe neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Adults older than 50 and people with certain health conditions face a greater risk of severe illness.

Butte County is not alone in seeing human infections. Glenn County has reported three cases and one death, while Yuba County has reported one case. Sutter County has also confirmed its first human case of the year. In Colusa County, mosquito surveillance has detected the virus in a mosquito pool and a sentinel chicken, although no human cases had been reported as of Aug. 17.

Health and mosquito control officials continue to urge residents to use mosquito repellent, limit exposure around dawn and dusk and eliminate standing water around their homes.

Residents with ornamental ponds, livestock troughs or other standing water can request free mosquitofish from the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. Neglected swimming pools and other mosquito concerns can be reported to the district at 530-342-7350 or 530-533-6038.