News Release: First Human Case of West Nile Virus Detected in Kings County

  HANFORD, CA – On July 29, 2024, the Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) of the season has been detected in Kings County. The confirmed case comes almost a month earlier than the first confirmed case of 2023.

“This is a reminder that we all need to protect ourselves against mosquito bites” said Michael Cavanagh, District Manager of Kings Mosquito Abatement District. “It is important that anyone that is experiencing related symptoms seek medical attention and that residents take all precautions including wearing insect repellent and eliminating sources of standing water.”

There are no vaccines for WNV and most individuals who are infected will have no symptoms or only mild, non-specific flu-like illnesses. However, WNV can have severe consequences for the elderly or others, including those with pre-existing health conditions. Examples of symptoms of severe disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, joint pain, disorientation, seizures, paralysis, and coma.

Kings County Department of Public Health and the Kings Mosquito Abatement District (KMAD) recommend that the public protect themselves against mosquito bites by practicing the “Three D’s”:

1. DEET – Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Insect Repellent 3535 (IR3535) according to label instructions. Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should be used according to the label instructions for children.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk; therefore, individuals should wear protective clothing when they are out during these hours. In addition, residents should strongly consider replacing door and window screens that have holes or do not close properly.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Remove all sources of standing water near your home, by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers.

The community is encouraged to report any swimming pool that is not being properly maintained. Please contact the KMAD as they provide mosquito fish for swimming pools, backyard ponds, and horse troughs free of charge. To contact the district please call (559) 584-3326 or via their website at: www.kingsmosquito.net. Additional information regarding West Nile Virus may be found at: https://westnile.ca.gov/.