The primary mosquito-related demise within the Bay Space and the detection of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Southern California underscore the chance Californians face as they spend extra time open air this summer season.
However specialists say there are easy preventative steps individuals can take to cut back the possibilities of being bitten and contaminated by the virus.
On July 16, a person who lived within the japanese a part of Contra Costa County died from a West Nile virus an infection, based on the county’s public well being division. It’s the first reported West Nile virus demise within the county since 2006.
Contra Costa Well being’s communicable illness program is investigating the case and has not decided the place the particular person grew to become contaminated, based on a information launch. The company isn’t releasing additional particulars concerning the case to “protect medical privateness.”
Proof of the West Nile virus has been detected not too long ago in the identical area. The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Management District discovered a lifeless fowl and 5 chickens that had examined optimistic for the virus, all within the metropolis of Oakley.
West Nile virus is transmitted to birds via the chunk of an contaminated mosquito; a mosquito that feeds on an contaminated fowl can then grow to be contaminated with the virus. An contaminated mosquito can unfold the virus to a human or one other animal.
The an infection might be harmful to people, with signs equivalent to a fever, headache, vomiting and rashing.
Two human instances of West Nile virus illness had been reported in Fresno and Yuba counties, based on the weekly California Arbovirus Surveillance Bulletin, ready by the state Division of Public Well being. As well as, three blood donors had been reported as testing optimistic for West Nile virus in Fresno County, although they had been asymptomatic.
On July 26 alone, a complete of 140 new West Nile virus-positive mosquito swimming pools had been reported from 21 counties, together with Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, and Yuba. To date in 2024, 583 West Nile virus-positive swimming pools have been present in 24 counties.
Final month, Los Angeles County reported mosquitoes carrying the virus had been recovered from a lure within the Winnetka neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley.
In a press release, the Larger Los Angeles County Vector Management District mentioned West Nile virus locally isn’t uncommon however “this early detection serves as a essential reminder for all residents to take preventative actions.”
What attracts mosquitoes
In keeping with the American Mosquito Management Assn., 30 forms of mosquitoes name america house. Whereas there are variations amongst them — for instance, some feed in the course of the day and others at night time — they share a life cycle that’s depending on water by which to breed.
Six forms of mosquitoes are present in California, however solely the Culex mosquito can carry West Nile virus.
Vector management companies attempt to remove public breeding websites in gutters, underground storm drains, flood management channels and particles basins. Nevertheless, mosquito management is a shared accountability and residents must do their half by eliminating potential breeding websites round their houses.
Begin by figuring out gadgets in your property that may maintain standing water, which when left untouched for at the least seven days is a magnet for mosquitoes. Typical websites embody birdbaths, previous tires, clogged gutters, moveable basketball hoops, uncovered outside grills, potted crops with saucers and flower vases.
Stagnant water that additionally accommodates leaves, soil or grass clippings helps mosquito improvement, based on the American Mosquito Management Assn.
Remove these breeding websites by draining or dumping the water, then block extra from gathering. For instance, flip over a rain-filled bucket or cowl your grill. Do that at the least as soon as per week.
How one can get the mosquitoes to buzz off
The Larger Los Angeles County Vector Management District suggests residents apply EPA-registered insect repellent with one among these lively elements: DEET, picaridin, IR3535 (the commerce title for ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate), para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone (a plant-derived ingredient) or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention advises towards spraying repellent below your clothes. The company additionally means that in case you’re utilizing sunscreen, to use sunscreen first and bug repellent second.
Alternate options to chemical-based sprays or lotions embody repellents with plant-based elements equivalent to citronella, lavender and peppermint. The American Mosquito Management Assn. mentioned these elements are much less efficient than their artificial counterparts, however they’ll work for individuals who don’t entice too many mosquitoes.
You may also attempt to make your outside recreation space inhospitable to mosquitoes by organising a number of tiki torches or different units that diffuse repellent. However the efficacy of diffusers can range, relying on the species of mosquito.
For instance, the Larger Los Angeles County Vector Management District says citronella candles are efficient at repelling mosquitoes solely within the instant radius across the candle, and solely within the absence of a breeze. It goes on to say that Aedes mosquitoes desire ankles, so the candles which might be usually positioned on tabletops received’t present a lot safety.
Sure crops can provide some degree of safety to your patio too. These embody citronella and some different geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, sure forms of mint, lavender and lantana. Some frequent fragrant herbs have the restricted skill to drive off mosquitoes, equivalent to rosemary, garlic, basil, thyme and fennel.
Strive them one after the other till you discover an method that works greatest for you.
If mosquitoes handle to chunk you regardless of all these precautions, don’t scratch. Scratching may cause secondary an infection and delay the irritation. In excessive instances, scratched bites can go away scars.
An anti-itch cream is often all you’ll must alleviate the discomfort. For those who’re extremely allergic to mosquitoes, the American Mosquito Management Assn. mentioned chances are you’ll want a cream with Benadryl or an analogous antihistamine.
