As summer enters the home stretch, the entire state is buzzing
about West Nile Virus.
As summer enters the home stretch, the entire state is buzzing about West Nile Virus.
The germ which affects horses, humans and birds has found its way into most counties in the state and claimed its second California victim this summer. There’s no denying the threat of West Nile virus is alive, well and very real for residents living in San Benito County.
Although no confirmed cases of West Nile virus have been reported in San Benito County, it’s a safe bet the virus is here somewhere. Our neighboring county, Santa Clara, has already confirmed one case of an infected crow and possibly could confirm two more birds soon after state laboratory tests. Meanwhile, Southern California is seeing signs of the disease everywhere. A real estate broker from Redlands died of complications from the virus on Saturday, and an Orange County man died from the disease in June. Thus far this summer, 64 Californians have been diagnosed with West Nile virus – 260 people nationwide.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-born disease common in Africa, west Asia and the Middle East, but it moved into the East Coast in 1999 and began appearing in California in 2002. So far this summer, the virus has made its strongest showing in California yet with 44 horses testing positive for the disease, 1,104 birds confirmed killed from West Nile, and 341 mosquito pools found breeding the virus.
But don’t panic, despite all the fear West Nile virus breeds and the ominous reports in many newspapers, the virus poses a relatively low threat to humans. According to the Center for Disease Control, most people will show no symptoms of West Nile virus if infected and only 1 percent of total cases will develop a serious illness. Of those with a serious illness, less than 15 percent will die according to CDC reports.
The low instances of serious illness, however, should not be an invitation to press your luck. Everyone who becomes sick with West Nile virus has one thing in common – they were bitten by an infected mosquito. While it may be impossible to stop every buzzing mosquito from taking a bite, there certainly are precautions everyone can take to limit their chance of exposure and to slow down the virus’ spread.
The California Department of Health services recommends taking the following steps to reduce the risk of contracting the virus and to help stop its proliferation:
– Use mosquito repellent containing DEET while exploring the great outdoors or even just grilling in the backyard
– Eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can breed in mass
– Get your horses vaccinated for the disease
– Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing
– Inspect the screens of your home to make sure they fit and don’t have any holes
– Inform the authorities if you find a dead bird that shows no signs of injuries by calling 877-WNV-BIRD
Last year, there were almost 10,000 human cases of West Nile Virus detected, including 262 deaths in the United States, and this year’s total could surpass that if the virus continues its dangerous spread. No one is saying close the doors, lock the windows and draw the blinds until winter, but a little vigilance now could be well worth it if West Nile virus invades San Benito.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
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