West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.
San Bernardino County health officials have confirmed their first two human cases of West Nile virus this year. Earlier, two adults were the first confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Riverside County. Those individuals, a 37-year-old man and 53-year-old woman, live in western Riverside County. The illness was confirmed based on test results and other clinical information. Both patients were hospitalized but are expected to recover. There were 15 human cases reported last year in Riverside County compared with 35 in 2013. There has not been a death from the illness in the county since 2008. Two human cases of West Nile Virus were also confirmed in San Bernardino County. These are the first confirmed human cases within the county this year. At this time last year, the county had a total of two confirmed cases of WNV. “We strongly encourage the public to be aware of the WNV activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family by taking appropriate precautionary measures,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, County of San Bernardino Health Officer. “West Nile virus infection can cause serious disease; therefore, prevention is essential.” The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite.