September 7, 2006

Public Health Department announces two additional cases
of West Nile virus in Santa Clara County residents

A Cupertino man has been confirmed as the second 2006 human case of West Nile virus in Santa Clara County, and a San Jose man has been confirmed as the county’s third 2006 human case according to Health Officer Marty Fenstersheib, M.D. That brings the total to three human cases of confirmed WNV in Santa Clara County.

"It’s not surprising to have additional cases in our community,” Dr. Fenstersheib said. “West Nile virus is a relatively new disease that we are going to have to deal with every year. And while the risk of any individual becoming ill from the bite of an infected mosquito is still very low, people need to take some basic steps so that they do not get West Nile virus.”

The Cupertino man is 74 years old, had been hospitalized and is now recovering at home. The Public Health Department announced the investigation of this case on Aug. 15 and laboratory tests confirmed WNV Aug. 29. The San Jose man is 44 years old and was first tested on Aug. 16. His laboratory test was also confirmed Aug. 29. He was never hospitalized and is recovering at home. WNV tests are confirmed with the State Department of Health Services.

“We are still very much in the midst of West Nile virus season,” said Tim Mulligan, vector control district manager. “Residents need to stay vigilant about eliminating any standing water in their yards and using insect repellent when outdoors.”

The Vector Control District continues to conduct surveillance where WNV positive birds are found, throughout Santa Clara County.

West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus in not transmitted person to person. Most people infected with West Nile virus (WNV) have no symptoms. Some infected individuals will have mild or moderate symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. However, the virus can cause severe symptoms. People over the age of 50 and individuals with lowered immune systems have higher risks of severe illness. Less that 1 percent of the bites from infected mosquitoes cause severe disease.

Individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile virus by taking these precautions:

- Drain standing water weekly in places where mosquitoes lay eggs.

- Check flowerpots, buckets, toys, leaky water faucets, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and kiddie pools.

- Check the screens on your DOORS and windows to make sure they have tight-fitting screens. Repairs any holes or rips so mosquitoes cannot get into your home.

- Limit outdoor activities and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites between dusk and dawn when they are most active.

- Apply long-lasting insect repellent with the ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Picaridan (KBR 3023) according to the label’s instructions. Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthanediol or PMD) is another alternative that provides protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET against mosquitoes found in the United States.

Many species of birds get infected and die from West Nile virus. The public plays an important part in the California Department of Health Services' (CDHS) extensive monitoring effort for the virus by reporting any crows, ravens, magpies and jays that have been dead for less than 24 hours. CDHS has established a toll-free line, 1-877-WNV-BIRD, for public reporting.

Additional information about West Nile virus in California can be found at www.westnile.ca.gov, www.cdc.gov/westnile, www.sccphd.org and www.sccvector.org.