REGIONAL: West Nile found in Southwest County

Infected mosquitoes discovered in Murrieta and at Lake Skinner

By The Californian | Monday, June 9, 2008 5:34 PM PDT ∞

Riverside County health officials confirmed Monday that mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been found in Southwest County, including in Murrieta and at Lake Skinner east of Temecula.

Infected mosquitoes were collected Wednesday in those areas, as well as in Hemet and Nuevo, according to the county Department of Environmental Health.

The California Department of Public Health confirmed the existence of the virus in the mosquitoes Friday.

This is the second time this year mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found in Riverside County, the first being in Blythe in April, county health officials.

No cases of West Nile virus in humans have been reported this year in Riverside County. In 2007, there were 16 human cases reported countywide, officials said.

West Nile is transmitted to humans and animals through bites from infected mosquitoes, which have acquired the virus by feeding on a bird that has the virus in its blood.

The virus is most often found from May through October when mosquitoes are most abundant.

Most people who are infected do not show symptoms of West Nile. Those who become ill can have headaches, fever, nausea, body aches, a mild skin rash or swollen lymph nodes.

Rarely, the disease can progress to encephalitis or viral meningitis, health officials say. About one in 150 people infected needs to be hospitalized, officials said, adding that there is no specific treatment for West Nile infection, although supportive care is important.

To help reduce possible exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they carry, officials recommend the following:

n Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.

n When outside, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.

n Apply insect repellent.

n Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows at home.

n Get rid of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.

n Report stagnant swimming pools to local vector control or code enforcement agencies.

n Contact local authorities if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.

The local vector control office can be reached at (951) 766-9454.

More information about West Nile prevention can be found at the state Department of Health Web site, westnile.ca.gov/prevention.htm.

Riverside County's Department of Environmental Health's Web site can be found at www.rivcoeh.org/opencms/rivcoeh/index.html.

Anyone who finds any crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead fewer than 24 hours should call state health officials at (877) 968-2473.

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