Placer’s first human case of West Nile Virus reported in Roseville. Here’s how to protect yourself

Placer County’s first human case of West Nile Virus was reported this week. The case was reported in Roseville, the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District said, and follows similar infections in Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorado counties.

“This summer, the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District has reported record numbers of West Nile virus detections in dead birds and mosquito samples throughout the county,” the Vector Control District said.

West Nile Virus can be a potentially serious illness in some people. Last week, Yolo officials announced the first human death from the virus, the county’s first in five years while Sacramento County reported its first death associated with the virus.

“While most people with West Nile virus may not feel sick, or have mild symptoms, about 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious illness,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, the county’s interim public health officer in a statement.

Statewide, at least 56 human cases have been reported in 2023, according to the California Department of Public Health, 23 of which came last week; five fatalities have been reported.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

Vector control authorities offered these tips to reduce mosquito exposure:

▪ Drain any stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

▪ Dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, are times to limit outdoor activities.

▪ Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

▪ Defend against mosquitoes by using effective insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

▪ Make sure door and window screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

“Although human cases are reported weeks after the onset of symptoms in patients, the risk for West Nile virus transmission to humans in Placer County remains high,” the Vector Control District said. “The District and the county anticipate there will be more human cases reported as we exit summer and enter fall.”

The Placer district keeps track of positive West Nile samples and reported 34 dead birds and 165 mosquito samples that have tested positive this week.

To report a dead bird on your property, residents can visit the State of California’s website or call 916-380-5444.