West Nile arrives in county

While the point of infection can be difficult to pinpoint, Thames said the three- to 14-day incubation period led the patient and officials to believe it happened outside the county.

The announcement comes on the heels of four other California counties - San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano and Contra Costa that announced human cases of the virus. Eight deaths linked to the virus were reported statewide this year and 53 counties total in the state reported confirmed virus infections.

In San Mateo County, the virus was confirmed in birds but no humans until yesterday. The out-of-county infection will likely increase concern, Thames said, but health experts are using it to remind residents to take precautions.

"We know that mosquito-borne illness are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. We know West Nile virus is here. And most importantly, we know that all mosquito-borne illnesses are preventable," said Dr. Scott Morrow, the county's public health officer, in an announcement of the human infection.

Humans and animals contract WNV through mosquitoes infected by feeding on birds with the virus. Most humans suffer only a mild illness from the virus and recover. In severe cases, patients can suffer encephalitis - inflation of the brain - or meningitis - information of the lining of the brain or spinal cord. The elderly and those with impaired immune systems are most susceptible.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.

Info box:

Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

· DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since it's where mosquitoes lay eggs, including: tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

· DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

· DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully.

· DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

If there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work in San Mateo County, contact the Mosquito Abatement District at (650) 344-8592.

To report dead birds go to http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ and complete the online reporting form or call the toll free hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).

For more information on West Nile Virus visit these Web sites:

· San Mateo County Health Department www.smhealth.org/fightthebite

· San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District www.smcmad.org

· State of California www.westnile.ca.gov

· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov

-Information provided by the San Mateo County Health Department