From the Ceres Courier
September 22, 2021
A mosquito sample collected in Stanislaus County has tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis virus, according to the area’s two mosquito abatement districts.
Like West Nile Virus, most people who become infected with SLEV will never feel sick. Most people who do feel sick will have mild flu-like symptoms; a small number of people will have severe disease with headache, confusion, disorientation and dizziness. Seizures, paralysis, coma and sometimes death may occur. Severe disease is more likely in people who are older and those with weakened immune systems.
SLEV is related to the West Nile Virus and is transmitted via the bite of Culex mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that transmit WNV.
“The discovery of positive mosquito pools is a reminder that we need to continuously prevent mosquito breeding in our community. There is no specific treatment for SLEV or WNV, so it is very important that people protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” advises Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer. “We ask everyone to use mosquito repellents to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito-borne viruses, especially when they are outdoors.”