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First West Nile Virus Case Reported in Stanislaus County This Season
Date: July 23, 2024
Turlock MAD: David Heft
Phone: (209) 634-1234
East Side MAD: Dr. Wakoli Wekesa
Phone: (209) 522-4098
STANISLAUS COUNTY—Stanislaus County Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile Virus (WNV) infection
this season in an adult male with a non-neuroinvasive illness. WNV is primarily transmitted through the bite of
infected mosquitoes and can cause mild to severe illness. Public Health and the local mosquito abatement
districts announced the first pools of mosquitoes positive for WNV in May 2024.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people
infected with WNV do not have noticeable symptoms and likely will not know they have been infected. Some
people may develop mild symptoms, including fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, WNV can cause
serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to long-term disability or death.
Certain populations, such as older adults, people with diabetes, and people with weakened immune systems,
are more likely to develop serious illnesses when infected with WNV. .
"We want to remind all residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito
bites, especially during the summer months when mosquito activity is at its peak," said Dr. Thea
Papasozomenos, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer.
To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, the community is advised to:
1. Dump and Drain water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, such as in flowerpots,
gutters, buckets, and birdbaths, and report neglected swimming pools, as these can serve as mosquito
breeding sites;
2. Defend using Insect Repellents containing DEET picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) on
exposed skin and clothing;
3. Dress in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes outdoors, especially when mosquitoes are
most active at dawn and dusk.
Residents who come across dead birds, particularly crows, jays, ravens, or birds of prey, are encouraged to
report them to California West Nile Virus dead bird call center at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or
westnile.ca.gov/report. Birds serve as the natural hosts of WNV.
Please report neglected swimming pools to your local mosquito abatement district. For up-to-date
information and resources related to West Nile Virus and the ongoing efforts to prevent its spread, visit
westnile.ca.gov/faq
