West Nile virus found in north Dixon, county says
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Samples from two mosquito pools in rural Solano County have tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials said in a press release on Wednesday.
The samples were collected from pools in rural Dixon near Davis in late July and mark the official start of West Nile virus in the region, Dr. Christine Wu, the deputy health officer for Solano County said.
“This is an important reminder for residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent when outside and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed,” Dr. Wu said.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Solano County, though four human infections have been reported in other parts of California.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus won’t show any symptoms, though one in five individuals afflicted with the virus will experience flu-like symptoms.
West Nile is rarely fatal in humans, though it can happen.
“The District is increasing mosquito monitoring throughout the areas with West Nile Virus activity,” Richard Snyder, the manager of the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District, said in a statement.
West Nile virus can also travel through birds and squirrels, where it is often fatal to those creatures. County officials are urging residents to report sightings of dead birds and squirrels by calling 1-877-968-2473.
Officials are also urging residents to perform regular maintenance on swimming pools and removing standing water from areas around their homes in order to prevent mosquitos from gathering.
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