FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — Fresno County health officials have confirmed three cases of West Nile Virus so far in 2024.
Officials say the cases were found through testing of blood donors.
No information on the patients has been released, but officials say they were asymptomatic.
Health experts say this is a reminder to stay vigilant as mosquitoes continue to test positive for the virus in Fresno County.
Experts say the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are typically most prevalent from late June through September.
Taking preventive measures like wearing repellant, staying indoors during dawn and dusk, draining standing water, and mosquito-proofing your home is essential.
- Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
- Use repellent, especially in the early morning and in the evening, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile are most active.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.
- Neglected pools are the # 1 source of mosquito breeding in residential areas.
- Get FREE mosquito fish for backyard ponds or horse troughs from mosquito abatement districts. Contact your local mosquito abatement district for information.
- Report dead birds and dead tree squirrels.
For additional information about WNV or to report dead birds and dead tree squirrels, visit the California Department of Public Health website at www.westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-968-2473.
Contact your local mosquito abatement district for any concerns about mosquitoes in your area by using the map linked here to determine which district services your location: http://www.mosquitobuzz.net/district_map.htm
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
