This is the news release from the Tulare County Health Department on the first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in California for 2008:

VISALIA – One woman from Visalia is Tulare County and the state of California’s first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus of 2008.

Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer, received confirmation of this case yesterday from the California Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory. The woman was not hospitalized and is improving. This case is the first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in Tulare County, and in the state of California.

Haught emphasized the risk of serious illness from contraction of West Nile Virus to humans is low. Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. About 20 percent of infected individuals will have mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, weakness and nausea. Less than one percent of individuals will develop serious neurological illness such as encephalitis and meningitis. The elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. While there is currently no vaccine or treatment for humans, Dr. Haught said individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two hours after sunset.
• When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Apply insect repellant containing DEET according to label instructions.
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
• Contact your local mosquito or vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.

Additional precautions can be taken to stop the spread of West Nile Virus, which include reporting “green” standing water, such as ponds, or neglected swimming pools. You can locate the mosquito control agency in your area by visiting www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473). If there is not a local mosquito control agency in your area, contact your local City government.

Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds or squirrels that are thought to possibly be infected with West Nile Virus. Visit www.westnile.ca.gov to submit an online report, or call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) to report over the telephone.