A western Riverside County child tested positive for West Nile virus, Riverside County health officials reported Thursday, Aug. 1. It is the first human case of the virus found in Southern California this year.
The sickened minor was hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery, health officials said. The child's age and exact location were not disclosed.
According to the California Department of Public Health, two human cases of West Nile virus were previously reported in the state this year — one in Fresno County and the other in Yuba County.
West Nile virus transmission occurs after mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, and then transmit the virus to humans and animals through a bite. Horses are also susceptible to the virus. People and other animals cannot spread West Nile virus.
Infections typically happen in summer and early fall when temperatures are warm, the air is damp and mosquitoes are active. Riverside County has endured excessive hot weather and is currently experiencing high humidity due to monsoonal moisture.
While the overall risk of serious illness from West Nile virus is low in humans, it can be fatal, said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung.
It’s important to take precautions to prevent illness, especially for those who are high risk. High-risk groups include people over the age of 60 years, people with weakened immune systems, and those with diabetes, kidney disease or other chronic medical conditions. These groups should take extra precautions.
Most people who are infected do not experience any illness. About one in five infected people develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache and nausea. Usually, people recover completely, but some may feel tired and sick for weeks. Extreme cases of West Nile virus can cause vision loss, numbness, paralysis and death, according to the Riverside County Health Department.
Leung provided the following recommendations to help prevent mosquito-borne illness:
- Apply insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outside. Be sure to follow label directions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and insect repellent if spending time outside at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active at those times.
- Install door and window screens and repair any ripped or torn screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Dump and drain standing water around your yard (WNV mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water). Change water in pet dishes, birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. Keep gutters free from debris.
- Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if you are experiencing an uptick in mosquitoes where you live or work.
People experiencing symptoms suggestive of West Nile virus should contact their health provider.
For more information about West Nile virus and other diseases in Riverside County, click here. To see the state's West Nile virus dashboard, click here.
Last year, 21 cases of WNV were reported in Riverside County.
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