Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Fresno County, marking the first detection of the virus in the area this year.

The California Department of Public Health notified the Fresno County Department of Public Health after the virus was found in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito samples. Officials warn that the risk of disease from West Nile Virus is highest during the summer and early fall.

“This finding serves as a strong reminder that everyone should take this disease seriously and take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County’s interim health officer.

In response, the FCDPH is working with mosquito control districts to ramp up surveillance, increase public outreach, and promote the use of EPA-registered insecticides in high-risk areas.

Tulare County Reports West Nile Death

On Monday, public health officials in Tulare County reported the death of a man attributed to West Nile virus.

“Due to this increased activity and this reported case, we strongly encourage residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis virus through mosquito bites,” said Tulare County County Public Health Officer Dr. Asma Tariq.

Practice the ‘Three Ds’

Residents are urged to follow the “Three Ds” to protect against mosquito bites: Deter with repellents, avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, and drain standing water around their homes.

Health officials noted that insect repellents should not be used on children under two months.

Officials also encourage reporting dead birds and neglected swimming pools, which can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

More information and resources are available at www.fresnocountymosquito.org and www.westnile.ca.gov.

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