Human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Kings County

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local health officials announced Kings County's first human case of West Nile virus this week.

Experts say the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are typically most prevalent from late June through September.

This year, we're seeing a lot more of these insects earlier in the year - partially due to the historic rainfall and floodwaters followed by extreme heat.

But mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus have been around the area for nearly two decades.

"There are two species of mosquitoes in Kings County that transmit West Nile virus. It's Culex tarsalis, and Culex quinquefasciatus both are very common throughout the Central Valley," explained Michael Cavanaugh with the Kings County Mosquito Abatement District.

Cavanaugh says these mosquitoes are typically found along waterways.

In Kings County, that includes the Kings River, drainages and lagoons.

They can even be found around homes, near trash cans and in standing water.

"The Culex tarsalis breeds are more natural pond type of habitat where the water is a little cleaner. You see maybe some moss growing and some grass. The culex quinquefasciatus will breed in more dirty water. A lot of that is like dairy lagoons or other sources of polluted water around the house," said Cavanaugh.

This year's increase in mosquitoes has required a lot more work than before.

Since June- the state has been helping coordinate control efforts.

It's paying for the pesticides and applicators for two Kings County locations, one near Corcoran and the other by Lemoore.

The county's mosquito abatement district says most people who become infected with the virus won't experience symptoms- but it can be deadly for those who do.

"It can be very detrimental, especially if you're somebody that has immunocompromised or elderly. A lot of the time, there's people who tend to be more susceptible to diseases in general, and it's the same case with the West Nile virus," Cavanaugh said.

The confirmation in of West Nile in Kings County brings the total number of human cases throughout California to 55.

To learn more about West Nile in the state, click here.

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