Protect yourself from West Nile Virus as warmer weather returns to the North State.
You can stay healthy by using simple, proven strategies to protect yourself and your family. The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites by remembering the five D’s:
- DEET – When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, Ndiethyl-meta-toluamide, also called diethyltoluamide). Always follow labelinstructions.
- DAWN and DUSK – Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. If you must go outside, use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves andpants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
- DOORS – Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair and replace screens that have tears or holes to help keep mosquitoes out.
- DRAIN standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Change the water in pet dishes daily and replace the water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and standing on their sides when they are not being used.
Read the full press release below:
March 7, 2024
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
WEST NILE VIRUS PRECAUTIONS
This winter Northern California is experiencing significant rainfall, which contributes to
standing water. Standing water serves as a breeding source for mosquitoes that can
spread West Nile Virus. Hot temperatures also contribute to increasing numbers of
breeding mosquitoes and an increased risk of virus transmission to humans. As we
approach mosquito season residents need to be aware of mosquitoes and take
measures to reduce their risk of contracting the West Nile Virus.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that affects the central nervous system.
It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the
virus after feeding on birds with West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes then bite humans,
horses, and other animals spreading the disease.
What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most individuals who are infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any
symptoms, but 1 out of 5 infections produce fever, rash, headaches, and body aches.
People over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions are most likely to develop
complications from West Nile Virus.
How can I Fight the Bite?
You can stay healthy by using simple, proven strategies to protect yourself and your
family. The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites by
remembering the five D’s:
• DEET – When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, Ndiethyl-meta-toluamide, also called diethyltoluamide). Always follow label
instructions. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
• DAWN and DUSK – Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most
active. If you must go outside, use insect repellent, and wear long sleeves and
pants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
• DOORS – Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair
and replace screens that have tears or holes to help keep mosquitoes out.
• DRAIN standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels to eliminate
mosquito breeding grounds. Change the water in pet dishes daily and replace the
water in birdbaths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain out. Keep
children’s wading pools empty and standing on their sides when they are not
being used.
What about horses?
Horses can also get West Nile Virus. Although most will recover, about 1 out of 3
horses displaying clinical signs of West Nile Virus will die or must be put down. Horses
become infected in the same way humans do – from mosquito bites. Those who are
bitten may show signs of stumbling, circling, hind leg weakness, inability to stand, and
muscle tremors. There is a vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus for horses, and horse
owners should contact their veterinarians for more information.
You Can Help Fight the Bite!
California monitors dead birds, so we can tell when West Nile Virus is in a community. If
you find a dead bird, do not touch it or pick it up; use a shovel, gloves, or inverted plastic
bags to handle the animal, place it in a plastic bag, and report what you found by filing
an online report at https://westnile.ca.gov or call 1-877-968-2473.
To report standing water where mosquitoes may be breeding or problems with increased
mosquito activity, please call Tehama County Mosquito and Vector Control at (530) 527-
1676.
For More Information:
Check out the state’s West Nile Virus website at https://westnile.ca.gov/faq.
For more information about this PSA, please contact:
Tehama County Health Services Agency – Public Health
Red Bluff: (530) 527-6824; Corning: (530) 824-4890; or Toll Free: 1-800-655-6854
