Solano County

West Nile Virus Detected Among Three People in Solano County

Three people in Solano County have been infected with the West Nile Virus, according to state health officials. 

The infections occurred in children and adults in Rio Vista, Dixon and Vacaville, Deputy Health Officer Dr. Michael Stacey said. It's not certain if the people contracted the virus within the county or while traveling.

"What we do know is that [West Nile Virus] infects people of all ages and the virus is found all across Solano County," Stacey said in a news release.

The virus was detected in a bird in Fairfield in April, and in mosquitoes, birds and chickens, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager Richard Snyder said.

The California Department of Public Health said there have been 276 human cases of West Nile Virus in 28 counties as of Sept. 30.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito that became infected while feeding on infected birds.

Most infected people do not develop symptoms, but the virus can cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. Less than 1 percent of infections will progress to neurological disease and very rarely lead to death, according to health officials.

Prevention methods include wearing long sleeve shirts and pants outside at dawn and dusk, using mosquito repellant, draining standing water where mosquitoes breed and ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

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