(KBAK/FOX58) — The first human case of a potentially lethal mosquito virus was finally reported in Kern County on Friday.
Kern Region General Wellbeing affirmed the principal human instance of the St. Louis encephalitis infection, an infection that is in a similar family as the West Nile infection however more uncommon.
It’s only one of a few mosquito-borne infections, similar to jungle fever, Zika infection, and Dengue infection.
The public health department’s division director of health services, Kimberly Hernandez, stated that although the virus typically does not cause symptoms, it can in some individuals cause severe illness and even death.
According to Hernandez, “it’s possible for them to then transmit that virus to you, which can then make you sick” if you are bitten by one of these mosquitoes.
She went on to say, “Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, so this virus can cause that, and for many people who do have symptoms, they end up with pretty severe symptoms.”
According to Kaiser Permanente specialist in infectious diseases Dr. Daisy Dodd, symptoms can include a fever, digestive issues, and altered mental state.
She said in the event that you have any of these side effects subsequent to being chomped, you ought to contact a specialist quickly.
She advised, “Definitely pick up that phone, don’t wait” if “you know that you have been bitten and it’s been a few days, a couple of weeks, and you have a fever, you have some fatigue, you’re feeling kind of tired, you’re having some vomiting and diarrhea.”
Except for supportive care for your symptoms, there are no vaccines, medications, or specific treatments for the virus once it has been contracted.
She emphasized the significance of self-protection in order to avoid being bitten in the first place.
The application of insect repellents. Having long sleeves and pants that are long are things that kind of protect you if you are going to be out after dark.”
She also advised against wearing clothing that was too tight because a mosquito or another insect could become difficult to remove from underneath the fabric.
She advised applying sunscreen first and waiting ten minutes before applying bug repellent when using it.
As standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, people are urged to remove it from around their homes and other places they frequent. This includes water that has just been sitting in flower pots, outdoor pet bowls, and kiddie pools.
After dumping the water, Hernandez also urged people to wash these items to remove any eggs that might hatch and spread mosquitoes.
Arvin, Bakersfield, Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Taft are urban communities that have been found to have positive mosquito pools for possibly either of the infections, with the earliest location returning to May 31.
