(KBAK/FOX58) — The first human case of a potentially lethal mosquito virus was finally reported in Kern County on Friday.
The first human case of the St. Louis encephalitis virus, which is less common but belongs to the same family as the West Nile virus, was confirmed by Kern County Public Health.
It’s just one of many diseases spread by mosquitoes, like malaria, Zika, and Dengue.
Kimberly Hernandez, the division overseer of wellbeing administrations at the general wellbeing office, said albeit the infection doesn’t typically cause side effects, in certain individuals it can, prompting extreme sickness and even passing.
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.
“Encephalitis is aggravation of the cerebrum, as that can be brought about by this specific infection, thus for some individuals who in all actuality do have side effects, they end up with pretty extreme side effects,” she proceeded.
Contamination illness expert Dr. Daisy Dodd from Kaiser Permanente said side effects can incorporate a fever, gastrointestinal issues, and a modified mental state.
She advised getting in touch with a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten.
“Assuming you realize that you have been nibbled and it’s been a couple of days, a long time, and you have a fever, you have some exhaustion, you’re feeling sort of tired, you’re having some regurgitating and the runs, most certainly get that telephone, don’t pause,” she said.
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.
Hernandez likewise asked individuals to wash these things in the wake of unloading the water to eliminate any eggs that could bring forth and lead to more mosquitos.
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 recognition returning to May 31.
In Kern County, the West Nile virus has also been found in mosquitoes, but no human cases have been found yet.
