West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in California, according to the California Department of Public Health. About 80 percent of people infected never develop symptoms, while roughly 20 percent experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Fewer than 1 percent develop severe neurological illness, with older adults and people with certain medical conditions at the greatest risk, the CDPH reported.
“Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that prevents West Nile virus, so please take extra care to prevent these mosquitoes from spreading and infecting people by dumping standing water around your home and property,” said Dr. Krishna Surasi, assistant health officer and communicable disease controller for the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “Use EPA-registered insect repellents, and wear pants and long sleeves, especially if you are outside at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most likely to bite you.”