An Alameda resident recently tested positive for the West Nile virus, which most commonly occurs through the bite of a mosquito.

The Alameda County Public Health Department along with Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2023 season took place earlier this month. Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the resident. The district is working with Alameda County Public Health Department to disseminate information about West Nile virus to residents and local healthcare providers.

The district believes the resident was not bitten by a mosquito while in the City of Alameda, according to ACMAD Public Outreach Coordinator Judith Pierce. Pierce said the individual is currently not experiencing any symptoms. In a press release, ACMAD said it has not found WNV-positive mosquitoes in the City of Alameda this year, but there have been four WNV-positive dead birds in Alameda discovered including three on Bay Farm Island.

Pierce said the district takes a lot of preventive measures when discovering a dead bird including collecting them and using pesticides to clean the area.

Transmission of WNV most commonly occurs through the bite of a mosquito. Mosquitoes can receive WNV from biting an infected bird. In turn, the mosquito can pass the virus to humans. The best thing the public can do to protect themselves from WNV is to avoid mosquitoes and report dead birds.

Ways to avoid mosquitoes:

• Use a repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks when outside, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Drain or cover any standing water around your home
• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days
• Scrub and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace torn screens
• Report dead birds to the West Nile virus call center at 1-877-968-2473 or www.westnile.ca.gov.

To date, ACMAD has found a total of five WNV-positive mosquitos groups within Alameda County. The first positive mosquito group was reported in January. The district traps and tests mosquitoes for the virus throughout the year.

There is no cure for WNV. The mild form of the disease is referred to as West Nile fever. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks, according to ACMAD. The more severe form is often referred to as West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Most people who are infected have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile virus become severely ill. People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit ACMAD at www.mosquitoes.org.