FRESNO, CA (KMJ) The first human death caused by West Nile Virus has occurred in Fresno County
The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has confirmed the first case in Fresno County in 2024 where West Nile Virus (WNV) contributed to a human death.
Mosquito season is still in full force in Fresno County and the FCDPH wants to remind residents that prevention is the key to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Mosquitos become infected with the West Nile virus when they bite infected birds. The infected mosquitos can potentially infect humans and other animals with their bite.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in 2024 so far, there have been 38 reported human WNV cases in California, including 4 deaths. Since WNV was first introduced into California in 2003, there have been more than 8,900 human WNV cases and more than 390 WNV-related deaths across the state.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends. We need to stay vigilant as mosquitoes may continue to test positive for WNV in the County and may continue to cause several severe illnesses, including WNV infection, which can require hospitalization and intensive care as well as death,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Officer.
To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting WNV, Fresno County residents are urged to take the following precautions:
- Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and repair or replace screens that have holes.
- Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
- Contact mosquito abatement districts to report poorly maintained swimming pools or water features that appear green.
Residents can also call mosquito abatement districts or visit www.fresnocountymosquito.org for more information on how to protect their family, their home, and their community from WNV and other mosquito borne illnesses.
To report dead birds and for information on WNV activity in California, visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website at https://westnile.ca.gov/ or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
