Health officials confirm first two human cases of West Nile in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (FOX 11) - Two cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Riverside County.
County health officials say the people who are reported to have the virus is a 65-year-old woman from Mecca and a 71-year-old man from Coachella.
The Riverside County Public Health Department says they were notified of the cases this week; both are expected to recover.
Health officials say the virus is transmitted to humans and animals from the bit of an infected mosquito. In a release issued Thursday, health officials said the risk of developing a serious illness is low and most people who are infected may not even experience any illness.
They emphasized that elderly people and those with weaker immune systems are at a greater risk for illness.
Doctors say the best way to protect yourself is to limit your time spent outside, apply EPA-registered insect repellent with deet, make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and to eliminate any standing water—such as flowerpots or buckets.
County health officials say standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos. They say insects can breed in the amount of water that fits into a bottle cap.
According to county officials, there were 15 human cases reported in 2018. In 2017 there were 33 confirmed human cases reported in the county. There has not been a death from illness in Riverside County since 2015.
For more information on West Nile click here.