First human case of West Nile Virus in Solano County in 2022

August 4, 2022

SOLANO COUNTY- The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Solano County in 2022. The individual is from Vacaville and is currently recovering. As of today, the California Department of Public Health reports that there are seven human cases of WNV this year in the state. 

"West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to people and animals through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus," said Christine Wu, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Health Officer for the County. "Residents should take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of getting an infection by using insect repellent when spending time outdoors and removing standing water sources around the home.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds.  Reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness by following these guidelines, including:

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 persons 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 where mosquitoes of the same infected species are present.

“We urge residents to remove standing water on their property to aid in our prevention and control efforts,” says Richard Snyder, 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.Gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).