Get ready for what could be another bad season of West Nile virus.
It might seem counterintuitive, but shrinking water resources are creating ideal breeding grounds for West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes. The drought is drawing birds and mosquitoes to fewer bodies of water, creating more opportunities for the insects to bite infected fowl and then spread it to humans. Stanislaus County health authorities reported on May 18 that a dead bird found in Modesto tested positive for West Nile virus, the first in the county this year.
The California Department of Public Health reported that 2014 was the second-worst year for West Nile virus, with 801 reported cases. Stanislaus County had the fourth-highest number, 33, behind populous Orange and Los Angeles counties (with more than 250 apiece) and Fresno County.
Although West Nile virus is a serious matter, and there is no vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 70 percent of those infected will not notice any symptoms — with the added bonus of developing lifetime immunity.
Of those who fall ill, the vast majority will experience fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In some cases, fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or even months.
Less than 1 percent of those who are infected will suffer a serious neurologic illness that could lead to death.
The risk of contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite is highest during the summer, but Dr. Scott Hennes, director of the Student Health Center, said a few simple precautions can mean the difference between enjoying the season and possibly suffering through weeks of pain.
"You don't want to tempt mosquitoes," Hennes said. "They are most active at dawn and dusk, so you should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and consider using insect repellant."
He added that if you are bitten, don't panic. "The odds that the mosquito that bit you was carrying West Nile virus is extremely small."
For information or answers to FAQs, visit the Web sites of the CDC and Stanislaus County Public Health.