A middle-aged Victorville resident was hospitalized with a case of the virus, but has now recovered.
Across 38 states, 99 human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in 2013. Four of those case were fatal.
The California Department of Public Health and the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health encourages the public to participate in the West Nile Virus surveillance program, by reporting dead birds or squirrels to the State West Nile Virus toll-free hotline at (877) WNV-BIRD, or online at California West Nile Virus Website.
The County of San Bernardino residents can protect themselves and their families from West Nile Virus by taking these precautions:
-- Drain or Dump: Remove all sources of standing water around your property where mosquitos lay eggs such as birdbaths, green swimming pools, ponds, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters, or even puddles from leaky sprinklers.
-- Dawn and Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. If you are outdoors during these times take precaution and wear proper clothing and repellent.
-- Dress: Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored.
-- DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to manufacturer's directions. Repellents keep the mosquitos from biting you.
-- Doors: Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitos from entering your home.
For more information, contact the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health Communicable Disease Section at (800) 722-4794 or visit www.cdph.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov.
