West Nile virus is officially here. The first human cases of the virus in California this year have been detected in two Butte County residents.
According to a press release received Thursday from the Butte County Public Health Department, the two people were found to be infected with the virus during a routine blood donation. Neither person knew they had the virus, as both were symptom-free.
Having no symptoms is common and occurs in about 80% of people who get West Nile Virus, but the illness can pose severe health risks including serious neurological diseases.
Since the virus is transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites, the Butte County Public Health Department recommends trying to avoid getting bitten – Wear repellent, avoid the early morning and evening when mosquitos are most active and clean up all standing water from your property, which is where mosquitos lay eggs.
Last year was a record year for human cases of West Nile Virus in California. Health officials expect that this year we’ll see much of the same.