Two deaths in California are confirmed due to West Niles virus, health officials announced Monday.
The California Department of Public Health said the persons who died from the virus are from Glenn and Yuba counties.
“We are still in a peak period of West Nile virus transmission in the state so we urge everyone to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said in a statement.
As of Sept. 7, CDPH reports 56 human cases of WNV in the state. In addition, 422 dead birds from 18 counties have tested positive for WNV this year and over 1,600 mosquito samples fom 28 counties have tested positive for ths virus this year, officials said.
For more information, visit California's West Niles virus website.
Here's information provided by the CDPH on how to protect against mosquito bites and WNV:
DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age.
California
DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets
