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Real Name: Emily Hagedorn Member Since: April 08, 2006 Last Signed In: October 07, 2008 Profile Views: 9699 Blog Views: 50015 Ombudsman: Budget cuts hurt long-term care Kern's longstanding battle with the mosquito Read the complaint filed against Dr. Freesemann, others Tips to avoid hospital, school infections BPD: Drug cache found in Dr. Freesemann's home, motor home The budget dust settles: How did health programs fare? Prominent doctor arrested in drug investigation British campaign IDs nine types of heavy drinkers The latest budget compromise and health care Bako AIDS Project: $37,000 can go a long way August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08
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Bako's first West Nile-infected mosquitoes found
A year ago today, news was breaking of Kern's first human case of West Nile virus of the year -- the first human case in the state. Today, I'm working on a story about our first infected mosquito pool. Positive mosquitoes often precede positive humans. Fingers crossed, maybe this year won't be quite as bad? Still, that doesn't mean you should stop taking precautions. Chances are someone is going to get sick. The trap has been found in the in 93314 ZIP code, which is west of Heath Road and south of Rosedale Highway. West Nile virus is a potentially fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. About 80 percent of people infected have no symptoms, but symptoms can range from cold-like to high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. As of today, 32 positive mosquito samples have been found in eight California counties, according to the state Department of Public Health. One hundred thirty-three infected birds have been found with one in Kern. No infected humans, horses or squirrels have been discovered in California this year. Eight people have been infected nationwide as of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Residents are urged to:
2 comments from 2 users
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posted by
robinislost
on Jun 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Emily, I was wondering if there is any way to find out exactly where they conducted this "pool" test and found the positive mosquito. It should be public knowledge, don't you think? I have become worried about it since I read your story and blog just now, because the virus has officially been found in my area and now I'm trying to pinpoint that location to see how far we are from becoming infected. My dad and I do all of our gardening during the evening, and we also have to feed to animals around sunset time, so this is really starting to bother me. He told me that he got himself tested for the virus when he was at the doctor's office the other day, so I hope everything is fine. posted by
ehagedorn
on Jun 13, 2008 at 04:16 PM
All Public Health is going to release is the ZIP unfortunately. The fact that the virus has been found in your area is a good indicator that it's around. And I wouldn't fret any less if you live one mile away or even all the way across town. Mosquitoes typically fly up to two miles from where they emerge, but some common California mosquitoes are known to fly 10 miles or more. And a point of clarification: These mosquitoes were found in a trap that's on the ground that vector control and the health department call "pools." This isn't a test of a swimming pool that turned up the infected insects. I hope your dad is OK. And if I were you, don't risk getting West Nile just because this isn't right next door to you. Take the proper precautions.
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