A 34-year-old woman was confirmed Tuesday as the first West Nile
virus case in Santa Clara County.
Gilroy – A 34-year-old woman was confirmed Tuesday as the first West Nile virus case in Santa Clara County.
The woman, who was never hospitalized and is fully recovered, believes she was bitten by mosquitos in Sacramento County, which leads the state in West Nile cases with 36.
“West Nile virus is a fact of life now for all Californians,” Deputy Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said. “Although this person most likely acquired her infection outside of Santa Clara County, we have had evidence of West Nile Virus activity in Santa Clara County for several months. Everyone needs to take precautions, including emptying standing water and avoiding contact with mosquitoes as much as possible.”
West Nile is a flu-like virus transmitted to humans and horses by mosquitos that have bitten infected birds. So far this year, more than 40 positive birds have been found in the county and vector control technicians have identified five positive mosquito pools in south San Jose. Last year, the virus was not detected in the mosquito population in Santa Clara County.
Through Monday, there were 174 human cases and four deaths statewide. At this point last year, there were 168 cases and five deaths. In the end, 28 Californians died from West Nile last year.
For information on how to protect yourself against the virus, visit www.westnile.ca.gov.
