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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeing the highest levels of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in five years. As of Aug. 14, CDPH has reported 30 human cases of WNV in California, including three fatalities, from 13 counties. That number is higher than the five-year average number of human cases typically reported by this point in the year. Every year in the U.S., WNV activity typically increases across the country during the summer months into fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 222 WNV cases have been reported in 32 states as of Aug. 18. “West Nile virus can be fatal, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “August and September are peak periods of West Nile virus transmission in the state, so we urge everyone to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites." Signs of WNV activity have been detected in 32 California counties through surveillance of mosquitos, dead birds, sentinel chickens and horses. The percent of dead birds and mosquito samples testing positive are also above the five-year average. To date, over 24% of dead birds identified through surveillance have tested positive, compared to the five-year average of 13%. Currently, eight out of 1,000 mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV, compared to the five-year average of five out of 1,000. West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of WNV immunity in birds. Infected mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals through their bites. While the risk of serious illness for most people is low, some individuals can develop serious neurologic illnesses, such as encephalitis or meningitis, which are potentially fatal. Of the CDC’s confirm 222 cases this year, 156 have developed into neuroinvasive human disease cases. Some people have a higher chance of getting sick, developing neurological complications, or even dying from WNV. Risk factors include being 60 years of age and older; having diabetes, hypertension or chronic kidney disease; or being on medication that suppresses your immune system. The CDC recently issued a health alert highlighting that patients on a certain group of immunosuppressive medications have a much higher risk of experiencing long-term complications or dying from WNV. CDPH recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds:” DEET–Apply an Environmental Projection Agency-registered insect repellent, containing an active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. When used as directed, DEET is safe for use on children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Dawn and dusk–Mosquitoes that transmit WNV usually bite in the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Drain–Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

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