San Joaquin County officials have reported the first human case of West Nile Virus for the 2012 season, confirming the virus in a 48-year-old Stockton man.
Increased ground spraying for mosquitoes has been occurring throughout the region, including several sprays in the Escalon area, with some locations also having aerial spraying to combat mosquitoes.
"It's the first human case in the county," said San Joaquin County Public Health Services spokeswoman Krista Dommer. "He actually reported no symptoms, the virus was found in blood he was going to donate."
With the multiple tests done on blood prior to using it for transfusions, the presence of West Nile Virus was detected and the blood was not used. The man, however, was notified but had not reported feeling ill because of the virus.
"In most cases there are no symptoms," agreed Dommer, who said only in severe cases do people realize they are sick.
"We are taking this as an opportunity to let people know that the virus is being transmitted to humans and they need to take precautions," she said.
The case of human West Nile was reported on July 20. Health officials said about one in five people infected with the virus will develop West Nile Fever, which includes symptoms ranging from headache to fever and fatigue. Less than 1 percent develop serious neurologic illnesses.
Still, officials are reminding residents to be aware that the risk is out there. There are "Four Ds" to follow to protect yourself from West Nile. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to keep mosquitoes from biting; avoid outdoor activity at Dawn and Dusk, when mosquitoes are most active; Dress appropriately, covering arms and legs to protect against bites; and Drain any standing water on your property such as collects in flower pots, old tires, or pet bowls, where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Dommer said conditions are still prime for mosquitoes throughout the valley and residents should stay vigilant in efforts to protect themselves. Several birds have already been found with the virus and additional information on the extent of the West Nile activity statewide can be found on the California Department of Public Health West Nile Virus website, www.westnile.ca.gov.
Increased ground spraying for mosquitoes has been occurring throughout the region, including several sprays in the Escalon area, with some locations also having aerial spraying to combat mosquitoes.
"It's the first human case in the county," said San Joaquin County Public Health Services spokeswoman Krista Dommer. "He actually reported no symptoms, the virus was found in blood he was going to donate."
With the multiple tests done on blood prior to using it for transfusions, the presence of West Nile Virus was detected and the blood was not used. The man, however, was notified but had not reported feeling ill because of the virus.
"In most cases there are no symptoms," agreed Dommer, who said only in severe cases do people realize they are sick.
"We are taking this as an opportunity to let people know that the virus is being transmitted to humans and they need to take precautions," she said.
The case of human West Nile was reported on July 20. Health officials said about one in five people infected with the virus will develop West Nile Fever, which includes symptoms ranging from headache to fever and fatigue. Less than 1 percent develop serious neurologic illnesses.
Still, officials are reminding residents to be aware that the risk is out there. There are "Four Ds" to follow to protect yourself from West Nile. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to keep mosquitoes from biting; avoid outdoor activity at Dawn and Dusk, when mosquitoes are most active; Dress appropriately, covering arms and legs to protect against bites; and Drain any standing water on your property such as collects in flower pots, old tires, or pet bowls, where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Dommer said conditions are still prime for mosquitoes throughout the valley and residents should stay vigilant in efforts to protect themselves. Several birds have already been found with the virus and additional information on the extent of the West Nile activity statewide can be found on the California Department of Public Health West Nile Virus website, www.westnile.ca.gov.
