Press Release

First Human Case of West Nile Virus in San Joaquin County in 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

#2024-09
Contact: István Fazekas
Public Information Officer
ifazekas@sjcphs.org | (209) 468-8584

István Fazekas

Stockton, CA (September 4, 2024) – San Joaquin County Public Health Services has confirmed a West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in San Joaquin County. This is the first confirmed human case in the county for 2024, and the 28th reported human case in California for this year. The 57-year-old male Stockton resident has received medical services at a Sacramento area healthcare facility.

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito and is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. According to Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Public Health Officer, “This time of year, when mosquitos are more present, we highly encourage the public to stay safe by wearing EPA-approved repellents and following California Department of Public Health (CDPH) bite-prevention guidelines.” Follow the link to the CDPH Mosquito Bite Toolkit below.

Be aware of symptoms of serious infection such as fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, disorientation, or confusion. Seek medical attention if you believe you have been bitten and these symptoms are present. Statistically, about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 in 150 infected people develop serious symptoms.

The most effective method for preventing WNV infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Take these three precautionary measures:

  1. DRAIN… and dump out any standing water where mosquitos lay eggs. Tip and toss unnecessary containers. This includes flowerpots, old car tires, rain gutters, and pet bowls. Ensure swimming pools and spas are properly maintained. Consider including mosquitofish in ornamental ponds and fountains.
  2. AVOID… outdoor activity at peak times when mosquitos are most active: early morning (dawn) and evening (predusk).
  3. PROTECT… yourself by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants during peak biting times. Also, when outdoors, apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains one of these active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or Para-menthane-diol (PMD). Follow all label instructions.

Additionally, if you find a dead bird (especially a crow, jay, magpie, raven, sparrow, finch, or hawk), please file a report online at westnile.ca.gov or call toll-free 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD) to report it.

Contact San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at sjmosquito.org or (209) 982-4675 or (800) 300-4675 to report significant mosquito infestations, daytime biting, or neglected (green) swimming pools. This agency also provides mosquitofish for ponds and other man-made water features. These fish feed off mosquito larvae and naturally help control mosquito populations. Learn more from the FAQs page on the sjmosquito.org website. 

For current information on California WNV resources and statistics, visit westnile.ca.gov.

See the CDPH’s Mosquito Bite Toolkit.