Santa Cruz County reports first likely West Nile case
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Santa Cruz County has reported its first probable human case of West Nile virus of the season, according to Santa Cruz County Health Services.
The patient has recovered, and the county said it is increasing mosquito surveillance in response. That includes trapping in the area where the patient lives.
"Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes to help prevent mosquito breeding", the county said in a release.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, and the county said most people who become infected do not develop symptoms. Among the symptoms listed by the county are fever, headache or body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.
"In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause severe illness", the county said. "Older adults and people with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for severe illness."
The county also said dead birds can be a sign of West Nile virus in the area.
To reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of illness, the county shared several prevention steps, including using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting shirts and pants when possible, avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and using intact screens on windows and doors.
Additional measures include dumping or removing standing water around homes and properties, cleaning gutters and repairing leaking outdoor faucets, covering containers and other items that can collect water, and checking properties for places where water can collect, including gutters, containers, pools, and tires.