Mosquitoes collected this month in Rialto tested positive for West Nile virus, the San Bernardino County Division of Environmental Health announced Monday, June 29.googleoff: all
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Mosquitoes pick up the virus from dead birds and can transmit it to humans. Those infected with West Nile may suffer flu-like symptoms that include fever, body aches, skin rash and fatigue. Anyone who has been bitten by a mosquito and experiences those symptoms should see a doctor, the county said in a news release.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
The mosquitoes were collected June 16. These were the first positive tests for West Nile in 2015 in areas served by the county’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program.googleoff: all
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No humans have been reported infected by West Nile virus in California in 2015. Four infected dead birds have been found in Riverside County and none in San Bernardino County, according to the state's West Nile virus website.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
Dead birds can be a sign that West Nile Virus is present in an area. The California Department of Public Health encourages the public to participate in the West Nile virus surveillance program by reporting dead birds to the State West Nile virus toll-free hotline at 877-968-2473 (WNV-BIRD) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.googleoff: all
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People can protect themselves from West Nile virus by taking these steps, the release said:googleoff: all
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• Remove all standing water around your property where mosquitoes can lay eggs: birdbaths, green swimming pools, ponds, old tires, buckets, flower pots, clogged gutters and puddles from leaky sprinklers.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
• Avoid spending time outside at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to the manufacturer directions.googleoff: allgoogleon: all
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
The symptoms of West Nile fever include:
Fever.
Headache.
Fatigue.
Skin rash on the trunk of the body (in some cases but not in others)
Swollen lymph glands (in some cases but not in others)
Eye pain (in some cases but not in others)