According to the Kern County Public Health Department, two more cases of West Nile Virus were found in the county, bringing the total cases to 12.
Kern County ranks #2 in the number of total cases behind Fresno County with 44 cases. Other counties with reported cases include Butte County with four, Imperial with three, and Amador with one.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website says "West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito... Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness."
There are no vaccines to prevent West Nile Virus or medicine to combat the disease. The best way to combat West Nile Virus according to the CDC is to prevent mosquito bites.
"Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors."
The CDC website has additional information on how you can prevent mosquito bites.
