Eleven Confirmed Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Riverside County

Eleven human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Riverside County this year, the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District said Thursday.

The most recent case was detected Tuesday, said Barbara Cole, director of disease control at the California Department of Public Health.

The Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District, which monitors and controls mosquitoes and rodents for western Riverside County, has begun spraying along the Santa Ana River in areas such as Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Corona and Riverside.

“From the surveillance data, there are indications that this could be one of the worst years for WNV infections in Riverside County,” district manager Dr. Major Dhillon said.

The district recommends using insect repellent, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, and draining or dumping standing water near homes.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through an infected mosquito. About 20 percent of humans infected experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches.

Fewer than one percent of people will develop a serious neurological illness, experts say.

As of Sep. 3, there have been 83 confirmed West Nile cases in the state.

• --City News Service, photo via Shutterstock