Two mosquito virus samples found in Kern County, public health issues safety warnings

West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis are serious illnesses that were discovered in Kern County this year.

According to Kern County Public Health, the virus is found in birds and is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird.

Viruses can be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans.

This virus has been around for a while – and here in Kern County there have been several human cases in the past.

With these two mosquito viruses floating around the city, people can get sick.

Michelle Corson of Kern County Public Health said there is now a way to find out where these positive mosquitoes are mostly found.

“We have a map on our website so we can put the postcodes where these positive samples are, so the community can know if there has been this positive detection somewhere near their place of work or where they live,” Corson said.

These main detection points include garden ponds with fish, pools and plants that are constantly watered.

Public Health suggests cleaning and scrubbing containers that collect water so that potential mosquito eggs can be disposed of.

Corson said these viruses give similar symptoms.

According to CDCpeople who get sick may experience fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

“The symptoms of St. Louis encephalitis are very similar to those of West Nile virus. These are very similar, there is nothing you can do to avoid getting sick other than avoiding a mosquito, so there is no vaccine for example, there is no specific treatment for any of these diseases. They’re really going to address the symptoms as they develop,” Corson said.

She said there are rare cases where encephalitis can cause inflammation or swelling in the brain, and the older population is more likely to be severely affected.

To decrease the risk of mosquito-borne infections:

• Avoid infested areas.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts/long pants outside.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Keep doors and windows closed.