Officials with the Kern County Public Health Department confirmed that there's been a fourth person who has tested positive with the West Nile Virus in Kern County.
A 52-year-old woman who lives in Southwest Bakersfield did not require hospitalization after catching the virus.
The CDC says:
In the United States, West Nile is the most common virus spread through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that spread WNV bite at night from dusk to dawn. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (swelling of the brain or surrounding tissues). In 2014, 48 states and the District of Columbia reported over 2,200 cases of WNV.
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- West Nile Virus On The Rise
- Two cases of West Nile reported in California
- Third case of West Nile reported in Kern County
The unidentified Bakersfield woman is recovering at home and no hospitalization was needed.
How do I protect myself from mosquito bites?
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Wear insect repellent: Yes! It is safe. When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST way to protect yourself from mosquito bites—even children and pregnant women should protect themselves. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer lasting protection.
- DEET: Products containing DEET include Cutter, OFF!, Skintastic.
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin): Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan outside the United States).
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals.
- IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
- Cover up: When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens. (source: CDC.gov)
