There are no confirmed human cases yet, but a dead bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus near Bakersfield. That confirmation means West Nile season has begun in Kern, where there were more infections last year than in any other county in the state. Last year, there were 375 human WNV cases in California. Kern accounted for 137 of those cases. Los Angeles County had the second-most cases, with 37.
Four Kern County residents died, a quarter of all deaths in the state.
The governor issued a state of emergency in Kern and four other counties last year, and that's why the health department ordered aerial spraying of the whole city Aug. 8 and 13.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes, and the danger of infection ends when cold weather kills them for the winter. The confirmation of the infected bird means the dangerous mosquitoes are back.
The Kern County Health Department offers these tips:
Remembering the "3 D's" to reduce the risk of being bitten by
mosquitoes and contracting mosquito-borne diseases:
• DAWN/DUSK: Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
• DRAIN: Eliminate all sources of stagnant or standing water where mosquitoes can breed
• DEET: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label
instructions
Other helpful steps to reduce the risk for mosquito-borne diseases in your neighborhood:
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants whenever possible
• Make sure the doors and windows in your home have tight fitting screens with no holes or tears
• Report any ill or dead birds or tree squirrels to the state hotline
• Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses
To receive a free brochure with information on West Nile virus, in English and Spanish, call the Kern County
Department of Public Health at 661-868-0327.
If you find a dead bird or tree squirrel, call the state toll-free hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473), or go
online at the California Department of Public Health web site at www.westnile.ca.gov.
For a supply of mosquito fish used to control larvae in troughs and ponds, call the Kern Mosquito and Vector
Control District at (661) 589-2744, Westside Mosquito Abatement District at (661) 763-3510, Delano Mosquito Abatement District at (661) 809-3987, or South Fork Mosquito Abatement District at (760) 376-4268.
