First Human Case of West Nile in Solano County for 2014

July 2, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – Public health officials confirmed today the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Solano County for 2014.

"The person is a resident of Suisun City and is 40-50 years of age.  The person is now home after a short hospitalization for West Nile Virus-associated meningitis," said Bela T. Matyas, MD, MPH, Solano County Health Officer and Health and Social Services Deputy Director.

As of June 27, 2014, the California Department of Public Health reports that, in addition to the Solano County case, there have been two (2) human cases of WNV from two counties in California (Contra Costa and Tulare).

Symptoms of West Nile fever include headache, fatigue, fever, skin rash on the trunk of the body, swollen lymph glands and eye pain.  The most severe forms of WNV infection affect the central nervous system causing meningitis and encephalitis.

“Four out of five people (or 80 percent) who are infected with WNV will not develop any symptoms at all.  The others (nearly one out of five) will usually develop West Nile fever and notice mild, flu-like symptoms.  However, less than one percent of those infected will develop severe neurological disease, which is what happened to this WNV case,” explained Michael Stacey, MD, MPH, Solano County Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Health Officer.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Anyone can be infected with WNV, but people 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications.  There are also recent data that show that people with diabetes and/or hypertension have a higher risk of developing severe illness.

“The summer months are when we experience the highest West Nile Virus activity.  Since it is now summer season, it is a good opportunity to remind residents to take a few minutes to follow some simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” added Dr. Stacey.

To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, county officials recommend the following:

·         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 long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent.

·         Drain: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water.  Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property and drain empty flower pots, buckets, barrels, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.  If you have an ornamental pond, contact the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District (707) 437-1116 for a free mosquito fish.

·         DEET: Insect repellents keep mosquitoes from biting.  Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to 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.

To date this season, there have been 11 confirmed WNV positive birds in Solano County found in the cities of Dixon, Fairfield, Vacaville and Vallejo.  The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District also confirmed that mosquito samples collected in Dixon and Vacaville have tested positive for WNV this year.

“We work hard to control the mosquito populations throughout the County and use all the tools that we have; however, I would like to emphasize the availability of effective mosquito repellents and encourage residents to use them regularly.  I also urge residents to ensure that they do not have any standing water on their property and to report any unmaintained swimming pools by calling us at (707) 437-1116,” said Jon Blegen, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager.

Residents are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD 1-(877) 968-2473.  Additional information about WNV can be found at www.westnile.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov.