More West Nile Virus cases found in California
Pastor Dale Morgan
More West Nile Virus cases found in California
Health officials have
collected mosquitoes infected with West Nile
virus in Hemet and Murrieta, and in the Lake Skinner and Nuevo areas --
the second time infected mosquitoes have been found this year in
Riverside County, according to health officials.
The mosquitoes were found during routine surveillance by the county
Department of Environmental Health's vector-control staff.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed the presence of
the virus Friday.
No cases of West Nile virus among humans have been reported in 2008.
In 2007, 16 human cases were reported in Riverside County.
The virus is transmitted to people and animals by bites from infected
mosquitoes.
A
mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with the
virus in its blood. The virus is most prevalent from May to October,
when mosquitoes are abundant.
The California Department of Public Health monitors birds for the virus.
Anyone
who finds crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead less than
24 hours is asked to call toll-free to (877) WNV-BIRD.
A slew of other West Nile cases have been reported in Southern California, but some fish may provide help in fighting the disease.
-- Monte Morin