Public health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus for 2024 in San Joaquin County.
A 57-year-old man from Stockton who was infected with the virus received medical services at a Sacramento-area health care facility, the county said Wednesday.
San Joaquin County Public Health Services, which confirmed the case, said it is the 28th reported human case in California for this year. Last year at this time there had been 78 human cases reported statewide.
The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a bite of an infected mosquito and is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Serious infection symptoms can include fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation, or confusion.
People should seek medical attention if they believe they have been bitten and symptoms are present.
In June, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District said West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes had been discovered in Stockton.
The San Joaquin County man is the 28th reported human case of West Nile virus in California this year. Last year at this time there had been 78 cases.
The district said its mosquito-borne disease surveillance program collected the mosquitoes in the 95207 and 95219 ZIP codes.
Tips for avoiding mosquito bites include eliminating all sources of standing water on people’s property that can support mosquito development, applying insect repellent containing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered active ingredients, and avoiding spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
People are also advised to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other protective clothing when outdoors and excluding mosquitoes from homes with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
The California Department of Public Health maintains a West Nile virus dashboard and updated activity map online.
Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. She is a Report for America corps member.
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