From Visalia Times-Delta
September 14, 2017
As the weather cools down the number of mosquitoes are going up. And so is the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus.
Climate, as well as the number of birds and mosquitoes, are factors that influence the virus. It is transmitted to humans and animals by a mosquito bite.
As of Sept. 1, California Department of Public Health reported 87 human cases of West Nile Virus from 13 counties across the state — including Tulare County. Additionally, 239 dead birds collected from 30 counties and 2,284 mosquito samples from 24 counties tested positive for the virus this year.
“West Nile virus can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible,” said Karen Smith, CDPH director and health officer. “August and September are peak periods of West Nile virus transmission in the state so we urge everyone to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”