A person has died due to complications of West Nile Virus, according to the Butte County Health Department. According to a press release, this marks the first human death from the virus in Butte County for 2018.
According to the release, the person became symptomatic in mid-August, they were between the ages of 50 to 70, and they lived in southern Butte County. The infection was confirmed last Friday and was the neuro-invasive type of the disease, which is the most severe form of the virus.
As of Monday 100 human cases of West Nile Virus had been reported throughout 25 different California counties. Four deaths from the virus were reported in Butte, Glenn, Yolo and Yuba counties.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms, while about 1 in 5 experience flu-like symptoms, and 1 percent nerve-related symptoms including encephalitis or meningitis. The virus is transmitted to humans and animals from mosquitoes that have fed off of an infected bird.
The Butte County Health Department advises that to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus you practice the “Three Ds”:
DEET: Use insect repellent such as Deet or others recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make yourself less attractive to mosquitoes.
DAWN AND DUSK: Be vigilant during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are likely out. During these times keep windows and doors closed so mosquitoes can’t find their way inside vehicles and homes and wear long-sleeves and pants to avoid being bitten.
DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so drain any stagnate water on your property including from flower pots, old tires, rain gutters and pets bowls.
For more information on West Nile Virus and how to reduce your risk of contracting the disease visit the Butte County West Nile Virus website.
