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West Nile Virus spreads throughout California
By BRETT CROXTON
West Nile Virus claimed four lives in Big Bear Valley. Luckily, none of them were humans.
Terri Williams, public health program manager for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Vector Control Program, said four birds died during the past two months. On July 22, a dead sparrow tested positive for West Nile, in mid-August two stellar jays also tested positive, and on Aug. 28 a western scrub jay succumbed to the virus.
Williams said three people in San Bernardino County have tested positive—in San Bernardino, Chino and Redlands—though none have died. Orange County hasn’t been so lucky. Two elderly citizens have died there due to West Nile.
West Nile affects horses, chickens, birds and mosquitoes. While there is no vaccine available to prevent or treat West Nile in humans, horses can be vaccinated. “That’s what we attribute the lack of equine cases (in the Valley) of West Nile to,” Williams said. “People are getting their horses vaccinated, which is exactly what they need to do.” Williams said vaccines are available from veterinarians.
Prevention comes down to four simple things, Williams said. “The biggest thing is walking your property weekly,” she said. “Make sure there are no flower pots with standing water, old tires, any kind of container with standing water, you want to eradicate that as quickly as possible.” This is key to prevention because mosquitoes breed in standing water.
The other three components come into play when venturing outside. Williams said to avoid going out when mosquitoes are most active. “Mosquitoes bite the most from dusk to dawn,” she said. “So from about 6 or 7 in the evening until the early hours of the morning, try to stay inside.” She said other measures include maintaining window screens so mosquitoes can’t enter your home, wearing clothes that reduce the risk of skin exposure and wearing repellent.
“Wear any repellent with DEET in it and you’ll be safe,” Williams said.
Williams said citizens need to be vigilant and help Vector Control keep West Nile out of Big Bear. To report a dead bird that shows no signs of a violent or accidental death, call 877-WNV-BIRD (963-2473). To report standing water such as streams or ponds that need to be treated, call 800-44-ABATE (442-2283).
Contact reporter Brett Croxton at 909-866-3456, ext. 142 or by e-mail at bcroxton.grizzly@gmail.com.
Terri Williams, public health program manager for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Vector Control Program, said four birds died during the past two months. On July 22, a dead sparrow tested positive for West Nile, in mid-August two stellar jays also tested positive, and on Aug. 28 a western scrub jay succumbed to the virus.
Williams said three people in San Bernardino County have tested positive—in San Bernardino, Chino and Redlands—though none have died. Orange County hasn’t been so lucky. Two elderly citizens have died there due to West Nile.
West Nile affects horses, chickens, birds and mosquitoes. While there is no vaccine available to prevent or treat West Nile in humans, horses can be vaccinated. “That’s what we attribute the lack of equine cases (in the Valley) of West Nile to,” Williams said. “People are getting their horses vaccinated, which is exactly what they need to do.” Williams said vaccines are available from veterinarians.
Prevention comes down to four simple things, Williams said. “The biggest thing is walking your property weekly,” she said. “Make sure there are no flower pots with standing water, old tires, any kind of container with standing water, you want to eradicate that as quickly as possible.” This is key to prevention because mosquitoes breed in standing water.
The other three components come into play when venturing outside. Williams said to avoid going out when mosquitoes are most active. “Mosquitoes bite the most from dusk to dawn,” she said. “So from about 6 or 7 in the evening until the early hours of the morning, try to stay inside.” She said other measures include maintaining window screens so mosquitoes can’t enter your home, wearing clothes that reduce the risk of skin exposure and wearing repellent.
“Wear any repellent with DEET in it and you’ll be safe,” Williams said.
Williams said citizens need to be vigilant and help Vector Control keep West Nile out of Big Bear. To report a dead bird that shows no signs of a violent or accidental death, call 877-WNV-BIRD (963-2473). To report standing water such as streams or ponds that need to be treated, call 800-44-ABATE (442-2283).
Contact reporter Brett Croxton at 909-866-3456, ext. 142 or by e-mail at bcroxton.grizzly@gmail.com.
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Malissa Marie wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:50 PM:
able to get a vaccine and its not possible for the human race... This makes no sence "