West Nile virus – the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease that has move inexorably across the United States since 1999 – hasn’t exploded in Northern California to become the epidemic many people feared.
But state officials warn that this is the time of year an outbreak is most likely, and Northern California could be hit especially hard this year.Voters in Santa Clara County have agreed to augment the budget of the vector control agency to keep the flying bloodsuckers that transmit the virus to horses, humans and birds under control.
So far, more than halfway through mosquito season, the threat has yet to materialize in a significant way – though the number of reported cases is climbing. Five months have passed since dire predictions were issued for the county and not a single horse or human case originating here has been reported.
Statewide, 265 people have been infected and six have died. That’s about the same number as last year, but in 2004 the numbers ballooned about this time, and, by year’s end, 830 people were infected and 28 had died.
Mosquito season is not over yet. While we’re glad to see West Nile has not turned into a calamity – and hope the trend will continue for Santa Clara County and the state – residents should not let their guard down:
n Use mosquito repellent containing DEET while exploring the outdoors or even just puttering around in the backyard.
n Eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
n Get your horses vaccinated for the disease.
n Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.
n Inspect the screens of your home to make sure they fit and don’t have any holes.
n Inform the authorities if you find a dead bird that shows no signs of injuries by calling the Vector Control District at 408-792-5010 or call the state hotline at 877-968-2473.
The vector control district also has an easy-to-understand brochure online that includes info on keeping ponds, pools and gutters free of mosquitoes.
Find that at www.sccvector.org. The state of California also has a Web site www.westnile.ca.gov that has tips, as well as the latest information on infections by county.
With continued vigilance and a little luck, Santa Clara County will keep West Nile at bay this year.
