West Nile Precautions Advised

San Andreas, CA — Calaveras County Public Health officials are advising residents to start using precautions for West Nile virus.

Officials say that the passing wet winter and recent warm weather have created prime conditions for increased mosquito breeding.

The Public Health Department is launching an educational campaign to prevent infection. Literature is available through local community groups, agencies, health providers, pharmacies, schools, restaurants and outdoor event sponsors. The department website also has prevention measures.

West Nile is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. So, prevention means reducing mosquitoes. To do that residents should eliminate standing water around their homes, use mosquito-eating fish in animal troughs and use mosquito dunks in seasonal ponds.

Also to avoid being bitten, use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves.

There were 2 reported human cases of West Nile virus in Calaveras County last year, one in Valley Springs and one in Wilseyville. 10 birds and 6 horses also had the virus locally.

Written by Vanessa Turner.