West Nile Virus (WNV) is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito and may cause serious illness and, in rare cases, death. Not all persons who are bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill. Only about one percent of those infected will develop serious illness. Nevertheless, public health authorities consider this a serious problem and are working to provide preventive measures and education for the public.
There is no human vaccine and no specific treatment for West Nile disease; the things you can do to protect yourself are to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and avoid mosquito bites.
Click here for information about the current status of West Nile Virus in California.
CDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2012
SACRAMENTO - A 70-year-old female in Kern County is the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in California this year, announced Dr. Ron Chapman, state health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The woman was hospitalized, but is now recovering.
Health Care Provider Information
Health care providers are urged to increase the index of suspicion for WNV among patients presenting with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or atypical Guillain-Barre´ syndrome.
- For testing procedures, please refer to the Health Care Provider Information to the right.
- Report any dead crows, ravens, magpies, jays, sparrows and finches that may have been dead less than 48 hours by calling the state’s toll free line: 1-877-WNV-BIRD.
- Call Santa Cruz County Disease Control at (831) 454-4114 if you desire additional assistance.
Statistics
Compared to previous year and previous five-year average to date
| As of Sep 16, 2015 |
2015 |
2014 |
5Y AVG |
| Counties |
40 |
37 |
35 |
| Human cases |
123 |
231 |
96 |
| Dead birds |
786 |
1982 |
990 |
| Mosquito samples |
2444 |
2659 |
1872 |
| Sentinel chickens |
235 |
274 |
228 |
YTD - Year to date corresponds to the same time last year or last five years.
- view all 2014 YTD activity - |