Second Human Case of West Nile in Riverside, SW of Redlands-Loma Linda

A second human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in western Riverside County, southwest of Loma Linda and Redlands, a county spokesman said Tuesday.

"The patient is a 22-year-old man who lives in Western Riverside County," Jose Arballo of the Riverside County Department of Public Health said in an announcement. "He is recovering at home after being hospitalized and is the second confirmed human case this year in Riverside County."

Two human cases of West Nile Virus have also been reported in , according to county and state health officials.

Earlier this summer, in Colton, Fontana, Rialto, and Upland tested positive for West Nile.

In addition, samples of mosquitoes in Redlands, San Bernardino, Colton and Fontana and a dead crow in San Bernardino tested positive for West Nile, county health officials said.

As of Tuesday, 69 human cases of West Nile Virus had been reported statewide, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Across the U.S. this year, more than 1,500 human cases of West Nile Virus, including 65 fatalities, had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Aug. 28. Two deaths have been reported so far this year in California, in Kern and Fresno counties.

San Bernardino County health officials offered the following tips to residents to protect themselves and their families from West Nile Virus:

• Drain or Dump: Remove all 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:  Avoid spending time outside when mosquitos are most active.

• 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.

• 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, Division of Environmental Health Services at (800) 442-2283 or visit www.sbcounty.gov/dehs. Information is also available on the state's West Nile Virus webpage at westnile.ca.gov.

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