The Lassen County Public Health Department issued a warning to county residents Tuesday morning after the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed a case of West Nile Virus in a horse in Lassen County. According to the notice, a one-year old Quarter Horse colt with no vaccination history displayed neurologic signs was confirmed positive for WNV on August 28th. The colt is said to be recovering.
For 2017, a total of ten horses have been confirmed positive for WNV in the state. The positive horses were located in Glenn, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Riverside, Plumas, Lassen and San Joaquin counties. Seven horses were unvaccinated and three horses had unknown vaccination status. Six horses died or were euthanized and four horses are recovering.
Tips to prevent a mosquito bite include:
California Department of Public Health recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile Virus by practicing the “Three Ds”
1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
2. DAWN AND DUSK – The mosquitoes that transmit WNV bite in the early morning and evening, so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate or drain all sources of standing water around homes and properties, including buckets, old car tires, rain gutters, birdbaths, and pet bowls. If a swimming pool is not being properly maintained, please contact the local mosquito and vector control agency.
More information about the West Nile Virus can be found here: http://www.westnile.ca.gov/wnv_faqs_basics.php#1488. More information will be provided as it comes available.
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