West Nile virus activity detected in Solano County

West Nile virus activity detected in Solano County

July 25, 2024

SOLANO COUNTY - The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, in coordination with the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District (SCMAD) have confirmed that a mosquito pool tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) on July 19, 2024, in Rio Vista. As of that date, the California Department of Public Health reports that there are no human cases of WNV.

"This is the first confirmed indication of local West Nile virus activity this year," said Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H, Solano County Public Health Officer. "So far, we have not received any reported cases of human infection from West Nile virus. This serves as a reminder to our community that risks can be greatly reduced by taking simple precautions."

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds. People may reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness by following these guidelines:

Dawn and Dusk
Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. Residents should avoid being outside at these times. If you are outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent.

Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property and drain empty flowerpots, buckets, barrels, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have an ornamental pond, contact SCMAD at (707) 437-1116 for a free mosquito fish.

DEET and Other Repellents
Insect repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or para-menthane-diol products per the manufacturer's instructions.

Doors and Windows
Residents should ensure that their doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes. Most people (about 4 in 5) infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 will develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. However, about 1 percent (about 1 in 150) of people with WNV infections will develop severe neurological disease. In rare cases, WNV infection can be fatal.

Anyone can be infected with WNV, but people who are 60 years old and older and those with certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants, are at greater risk of developing severe illness and complications.

The SCMAD staff is conducting surveillance activities in the affected area to apply appropriate control measures.

"We urge residents to remove standing water on their property to aid in our prevention and control efforts," says Miguel Cardenas, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager. "Any unmaintained swimming pools and stagnant water should be reported by calling us at (707) 437-1116."

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds online at www.WestNile.Ca.Govor by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).