Kern isn't No. 1, and in this case, that's a good thing.

The state Department of Public Health just announced the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year — in Tulare County.

“The first human West Nile virus infection of 2008 underscores the importance of taking precautions to protect from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, in the news release. “Californians should use insect repellent and eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.”
 
To date this year, West Nile activity has been detected in 19 of California’s 58 counties.

Kern has seen one infected bird and one infected mosquito sample.

The release says the first human case in 2007 in California was reported on June 20, but Kern County sent out notice of the first case, which happened to be a Kern resident, on June 13, 2007.
 
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
 
Most individuals who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness.  Individuals 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms when infected with WNV.  Recent data also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

Residents are urged to:

• Eliminate all sources of stagnant or standing water.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeves and pants while outdoors whenever possible.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Make sure the doors and windows in your home have tight-fitting screens with no holes or tears.
• Contact the appropriate mosquito abatement district if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work, for a supply of mosquito fish to control larvae in troughs and ponds, or to report an abandoned swimming pool. Call the Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District at 589-2744, Westside Mosquito Abatement District at 763-3510, Delano Mosquito Abatement District at 725-3114 or South Fork Mosquito Abatement District at 760-376-4268.
• Call Kern County Code Compliance at 800-552-5376, option 7, or Bakersfield Code Compliance at 326-3712 to report standing-water issues.
• Avoid over-watering lawns.
• Call the state's hot line at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) upon finding a dead bird or squirrel.
• Contact the county's West Nile information line at 877-81VIRUS (818-4787) or e-mail westnile@co.kern.ca.us with West Nile questions.
• Consult veterinarians to properly vaccinate horses.