West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected for the first time this year in our county.
A dead bird found in the upper West Side area of Santa Cruz, near Nobel Drive, has tested positive for an acute infection of the virus. This indicates that there are mosquitoes in the area that can transmit the infection. There has been WNV activity in many counties of the state but as of July 6 there have been no human cases reported this year in California.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no evidence of horses, tree squirrels, or birds transmitting WNV directly to humans. Horses can become ill or die from WNV; however, cats and dogs seem to be resistant. There is a vaccine available for horses. Contact your veterinarian for details.
Protect yourself from WNV by preventing exposure to mosquitoes.
Drain all standing water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Check all items in your yard that may contain standing water such as rain gutters, plants, buckets, pool and spa covers, birdbaths, old tires, etc.
Dress in long sleeves and long pants when outdoors.
Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin when you go outside. You may also spray clothing with repellents that contain permethrin but do not spray permethrin directly on skin. Use repellants according to the DIRECTION FOR USE on the package.
Check to see that windows and screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
For information on WNV go to www.westnile.ca.gov.
Visit Mosquito & Vector Control at www.agdept.com/mvc.html.
Mosquito fish, which eat the immature mosquitos, are available from Mosquito & Vector Control for ponds, water features and unused pools. Call (831) 454-2590 for details or go to www.agdept.com/mvc/html.
Report dead birds or tree squirrels by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.