First West Nile virus sample found in El Dorado County after positive test in this town
A bird sample positive for West Nile Virus in El Dorado County, the area’s first in 2023, has been found, health officials confirmed Wednesday.
The house finch was collected on July 21 in the Lotus area of the county, according to El Dorado County Public Health. West Nile Virus activity was not detected in the county in 2022, officials said.
As of July 28, two human cases of the virus were reported in the state in 2023 — both in Tulare County. State health and vector officials say 147 dead birds have tested positive and 1,225 mosquito samples with the virus have been found within the state this year.
Mild or moderate symptoms of the virus can include fever and fatigue. Severe symptoms in humans include neurological conditions such as encephalitis and meningitis. Severe illness from West Nile virus is rare — only about one in 150 people are affected when infected.
Avoid contracting the virus by draining standing water, avoiding being outdoors at dawn and dusk, dressing in long sleeves and pants when outside and making sure doors and windows are in good condition, vector control officials have said.
Those who see dead birds can report them to the state’s West Nile virus hotline at 877-968-2473.
