Imperial County reports two cases of St. Louis Encephalitis
The Imperial County Health Department ( ICPHD ) announced Wednesday they confirmed two El Centro residents have been infected with St. Louis encephalitis ( SLE ) virus and one with West Nile virus ( WNV ).
ICPHD say this is the first human cases of SLE reported in California this year. The two individuals who were infected, both middle-aged, were admitted to a hospital late July with severe headache, fever and nausea, and were diagnosed with viral meningitis.
A male individual is the second confirmed case of WNV in California.
All three individuals are said to be home recuperating in El Centro.
“Although we are nearing the end of the summer, we need to continue to stay vigilant and prevent mosquito bites.” stated Stephen Munday , M.D., Health Officer for Imperial County. ” These three human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses were caused by the bites of infected mosquitos.
The most important step we can take to prevent mosquito-borne viruses is use mosquito repellent and eliminate mosquito-breeding sources where we live. ”
Enhanced surveillance for human cases of mosquito-borne diseases in the community are said to have been implemented by the ICPHD . They say even though the individuals were hospitalized in July, The California Department of Public Health laboratory confirmed it to be SLE and WNV just within this last week, through the Department’s active surveillance effort.
Three mosquito pools were said to be collected in the areas of Imperial, Holtville , and Westmoreland, where these pools tested positive for SLE and WNV .
The Public Health Department confirmed the death of an Imperial County resident in July from complications with WNV .
There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat SLE . Some symptoms from SLE include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.
Most individuals who are infected with WNV won’t experience any illness. Some might experience mild symptoms including, fever, headache, and body aches. WNV can be severe in the elderly and those with lowered compromised immune systems. Severe symptoms of WNV are fever, nausea, vomiting, and seizures.
You can view the latest information on WNV activity by visiting the state’s WNV Activity page at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.
If you think you or anyone in your household has symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
