Hollister - A dead bird found in Hollister earlier this week tested positive for West Nile Virus, indicating that the potentially serious illness has been recorded in San Benito County this year.
West Nile Virus, which has become a seasonal epidemic throughout North America, is usually spread by infected mosquitoes and can be transferred to humans and animals. No human cases of the virus have been found in San Benito County, but health officials are warning local residents to stay alert during the waning summer months and through the fall months.
"Be vigilant and be careful," said Kathryn Flores, director of the San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency. "The best thing to do is prevent mosquito bites."
The San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner's Office is heading mosquito eradication efforts throughout Hollister and the county, said Commissioner Paul Matulich. Matulich's office is also tracking the sources of the insects and taking steps to prevent breeding. In addition, the office is trapping mosquitoes and testing them for signs of WNV to gauge and track possible spreading.
The infected bird, an American Crow, was found near McCloskey Road in Hollister, and Matulich's staff is scouring the area for signs of mosquito activity.
"We're going to door-to-door within a 5-mile radius of that area trying to narrow the source the down," Matulich said. "That way we can see if the bird was infected in that area or flew in from somewhere else. By addressing it right away, we can make sure it doesn't become a bigger problem."
Flores said residents should feel safe playing in the yard, cooking out with neighbors or watching a local Little League baseball game.
"We don't want to curtail summertime activities," she said. "The big thing is to watch out for standing water. Make sure you're not hosting a mosquito breeding ground."
Even small amounts of standing water can provide the pesky blood-feeding insects with a place to breed, Flores said. Children's toys, used tires, bird baths, clogged rain gutters and swimming pool covers can all hold water and invite mosquitoes. Even less obvious things can prove hazardous. Vases and flower pots left at cemeteries often collect rainwater and become host to mosquito larvae, Flores said.
Although West Nile Virus can be potentially serious for humans, it is uncommon, according San Benito County Health Officer Dr. Elizabeth Falade
"The risk of serious illness to humans is low," she said. "Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience illness."
Falade said 10 to 15 percent of infected people experience mild or moderate symptoms, including fever, headaches and body aches. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop more serious illnesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis, she said. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to serious health problems than other groups.
Symptoms usually appear within three to 14 days after a bite. Flores said anyone concerned about being infected with WNV should see a health care provider posthaste.
Those who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, should take precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and using insect repellent, Flores said.
Standing water and dead birds should be reported to the San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner's Office at 831-637-5344.
For mosquito bite
prevention tips visit http://westnile.ca.gov/.
Brett Rowland covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or browland@freelancenews.com.
Brett Rowland Brett Rowland is city editor for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 332 or browland@freelancenews.com
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