LOS ANGELES - An 88-year-old woman from Kern County is the first reported fatality from West Nile virus this year, state health officials announced last week."This unfortunate death reminds us that we must protect ourselves from mosquito bites to prevent West Nile virus and other mosquito born infections," said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health. An increase in WNV activity has occurred earlier this year compared to last year, he added. To date in 2012, 10 human cases of WNV from five California counties have been reported. Last year at this time there were seven human cases and no deaths. During all of 2011, 159 human cases and nine fatalities were reported. Increased activity is also being seen in other parts of the U.S. Nationwide, 241 human cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control as of Aug. 1, 2012. This is the highest number of cases reported through the end of July since 2004, authorities said. WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some people - less than 1 percent of those infected - will develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People age 50 and older have a higher chance of getting sick and more likely to develop serious symptoms. Studies also show that people with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greater risk for serious illness. Chapman said California residents are "very good" at protecting themselves from mosquito bites for planned events like camping, however, residents tend to have a false sense of security in their own backyards. The most effective way to prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus, Chapman said, is to "remember the three D's": Defend: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting, and DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older. Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes that carry WNV bite in the early morning and evening. It is important to use repellent and wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites during this time. Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes. Drain: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including buckets, old car tires and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available for free from local vector control agencies) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae.

********** Published: August 09, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 17