Jul 17, 2008 2:43 pm US/Pacific
First Human Case Of West Nile In S.J. County
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY (CBS13) ―
San Joaquin County has just confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus this year.
S.J. County Public Health Services says a 46-year-old male living in the southern area of San Joaquin County has tested positive for the sometimes deadly virus.
He was diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the disease. This is a severe form with symptoms such as neck stiffness, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, numbness, and/or paralysis. Symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent. Only about 1 in 150 people infected will develop this severe form.
While this is the first human case, San Joaquin county has had a rapid increase in mosquitoes and spread of the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
"With the recent increase in the mosquito population, West Nile Virus continues to be a concern in the County and around the State. It is very important that people take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites," said Dr. Karen Furst, Health Officer of San Joaquin County in a statement released today.
During 2007, there were 10 human cases, 1 horse case, 42 birds, 1 squirrel, 155 groups of mosquitoes, and 24 sentinel chickens that tested positive for WNV in San Joaquin County.
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