A resident of Roseville in Placer County has died from the West Nile virus, the first death in the area this season. "We're saddened to learn of this individual's passing, and extend our sympathies to their loved ones," said Dr. Rob Oldham, as officials report more human cases and positive tests in mosquitoes and dead birds, according to the County of Placer.
Placer County Public Health confirmed 54 human cases and 5 deaths in California this year from the virus, which spreads through mosquito bites, mostly at dawn and dusk. Joel Buettner of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District said, "When there is a higher than normal proportion of West Nile virus infected mosquitoes as there has been this year, despite our efforts to reduce these populations, the risk of disease transmission to people also gets higher," as reported by the County of Placer.
Public health officials advise residents to remove standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs and to use mosquito repellent when outside. Unattended swimming pools or other areas with standing water can be reported to the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (916) 380-5444. Wearing long clothing and using repellent, especially in the early morning and evening, can help prevent mosquito bites. For more information on West Nile prevention and reporting dead birds, visit California’s West Nile website, as stated by the County of Placer.
