SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA WEST NILE SEASON 2012
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First Human Case with West Nile Virus in San Diego!
.... West Nile Virus (WNV) has been spreading rapidly across the United States.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the public to take steps to protect themselves. Meanwhile, California announced the first reported fatality from West Nile virus, health officials in San Diego County confirmed the first human case. A 19 year-old Escondido man who didn't report any symptoms; however, the virus was detected during a routine screening test of blood he donated in late July. The man did not recall any mosquito bites in the 30 days prior to donating blood and said he did not travel out of the county during this period.
HHSA and the County’s Department of Environmental Health Vector Control are inspecting the man’s home and surrounding areas for potential mosquito breeding locations, and setting up traps.
“This year, this is an indication that the West Nile virus is here. It’s important for the public to know West Nile virus is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, County Public Health Officer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that more cases of WNV have been diagnosed so far this season than at any time since 2004. The normal “season” for WNV is August and September.
People of all ages can become sick, and of those individuals who become infected with WNV, 80 percent will have no symptoms. Most of those who do fall ill have a mild illness of headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, skin rash or swollen glands. Severe illness can develop and sometimes the illness can be life threatening. The risk of complications increases for those over age 50, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you think you have symptoms consistent with WNV, contact your healthcare provider.
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