West Nile Season Could Be Longer This Year

The recent wet weather, high snow pack levels and rising temperatures could result in a lengthy West Nile Virus season for Roseville residents this year.

“Because the snow packs are high, it basically creates a steady water source and creates areas of water pooling (in areas) that would typically be dry,” said Ada Barrows, public information officer with the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Mosquito season typically runs from early spring to late fall, Barrows said. So far, no birds or people have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Roseville and Placer County. Barrows said last year three people became infected with the virus, while in 2009, no one contracted West Nile.

As a precaution in Placer County, fogging and sprays were conducted last month in Granite Bay, Loomis, Lincoln and west of Roseville to reduce mosquito populations.

Barrow said neglected and green pools can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents in the western area of Roseville are most at-risk, Barrows said, as well as west of the city near the rice fields.

But simple steps can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus.

Lather on the insect repellent

• The best mosquito-fighting repellents contain active ingredients of DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535 and permethrin.

Cover up

• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn or cover up with long sleeves and pants.

Standing water is a breeding ground

• Empty areas of standing water when not in use including flower pots, kid’s pools and barrels.

What starts with a bite from a mosquito could turn out to be something more serious than an annoying itch. The majority of people infected with West Nile Virus have flu-like or no symptoms at all.

Serious symptoms

• Serious symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, vision loss and paralysis. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus develop sever illness, according to the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. The virus can be fatal.

Mild to moderate symptoms

• Mild to moderate symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes. Symptoms can last a few days or several weeks. About one in five people who become infected with West Nile Virus will display mild to moderate symptoms.

• Contact your doctor if you have mild to severe symptoms.

Dead birds are the first sign of the virus in the area, Barrows said. In California, there been no reported human cases of West Nile this year, but 11 cases of infected dead birds have been reported this year, including three in Sacramento County.

If you find a dead bird, call the dead-bird hotline at 877-968-2473.