MamaLaura
10-17-2008, 03:15 PM
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20081017/NEWS/810170297/1350?Title=Positive_West_Nile_Virus_test_in_Windso r
A mosquito trapped in Windsor has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, prompting stepped up surveillance and trapping in the area, the Marin/Sonoma Vector Control District said.
The infected insect was collected near the 8000 block of Windsor Road, in the southeast part of town, officials said.
The presence of the virus was confirmed Oct. 7, officials said.
Overall, the 2008 West Nile Virus season has been mild in Sonoma County and elsewhere, with the local district reporting six dead birds and two mosquito pools from Sonoma County that have tested positive for the virus.
No human cases have been reported, though Mendocino County officials reported one case in the neighboring county last month.
A single dead bird was found to be infected in Marin County, officials said.
Vector Control personnel still urge caution.
“Even though the temperatures have slightly decreased, the virus can still be active in infected mosquitoes, just at a lower level,” district spokeswoman Nizza Sequeira said in a written press release. “It is extremely important for residents to continue to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito bites. One bite from a West Nile virus positive mosquito, and you’re infected.”
The virus, which can be deadly in rare cases but often causes only mild symptoms, is spread whem mosquitoes feed on infected birds, then pass the disease by biting another creature.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, stiff neck, restlessness, stupor, delirium and convulsions.
A mosquito trapped in Windsor has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, prompting stepped up surveillance and trapping in the area, the Marin/Sonoma Vector Control District said.
The infected insect was collected near the 8000 block of Windsor Road, in the southeast part of town, officials said.
The presence of the virus was confirmed Oct. 7, officials said.
Overall, the 2008 West Nile Virus season has been mild in Sonoma County and elsewhere, with the local district reporting six dead birds and two mosquito pools from Sonoma County that have tested positive for the virus.
No human cases have been reported, though Mendocino County officials reported one case in the neighboring county last month.
A single dead bird was found to be infected in Marin County, officials said.
Vector Control personnel still urge caution.
“Even though the temperatures have slightly decreased, the virus can still be active in infected mosquitoes, just at a lower level,” district spokeswoman Nizza Sequeira said in a written press release. “It is extremely important for residents to continue to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito bites. One bite from a West Nile virus positive mosquito, and you’re infected.”
The virus, which can be deadly in rare cases but often causes only mild symptoms, is spread whem mosquitoes feed on infected birds, then pass the disease by biting another creature.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, stiff neck, restlessness, stupor, delirium and convulsions.