Experts warn: Don't become complacent about West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus was at its most critical stage in Northern California in 2005, when an 86-year-old Acampo man died from complications of the mosquito-borne virus.

Two years later, the virus isn't so critical, but residents must guard against complacency, said Dr. Janwyn Funamura, a pediatrician and public heath consultant in San Joaquin County.

"It's here; we know it's here," Funamura said. "We don't want West Nile to fade from sight."

Funamura made her comments Monday, the beginning of Mosquito Awareness Week. Next week is West Nile Virus Awareness Week.

When the West Nile Virus peaked in 2005, 36 people tested positive in San Joaquin County. One person, James "Jim" Rodgers, a 30-year Arbor Mobile Home Park resident in Acampo, died Aug. 7, 2005, from the virus. Last year, only eight San Joaquin County residents tested positive.

West Nile Virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York, after previously afflicting people and animals in Africa, western Asia and the Middle East.

How to prevent West Nile Virus

• Use insect repellent containing DEET whenever you go outdoors.
• When possible, wear long sleeves and pants outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through clothing, so still use repellent.
• Avoid being out at dawn and dusk.
• Drain all standing water because mosquitos lay their eggs there (Funamura reminds us that it rained Saturday, so there could be some standing water).
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors so mosquitos don't come inside the house.
• Report dead birds to (877) WNV-BIRD.
• For more information, call the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District, 982-4675, or the county Public Health Department, 468-3411. You may also visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.
Source: California West Nile Virus Web site.

Twenty percent of people bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus will become somewhat ill, but not seriously, Funamura said. One person in 150 of those bitten will become seriously ill, she added.

Fifteen dead birds that have tested positive for West Nile have been documented in California this year, the nearest one being in Stanislaus County, according to the California West Nile Virus Web site. No human cases have been detected.

Funamura plans to videotape some area West Nile victims, who will tell their story on how their health and everyday lives were affected when they tested positive in 2005. Some became seriously ill, while others had less significant illness, she said.

Funamura will film a victim at her Courtland home on April 27. The woman will discuss her doctor visits, her recovery and the need to remodel her house to keep mosquitos out.

At noon the same day, several West Nile victims will be filmed at the Lodi Public Library's community room. Funamura's goal is to get people of all ages to talk about the virus. In Lodi, speakers will include a Stockton woman in her 40s who had a mild case, and a 50-year-old San Jose man who had a severe case. He speaks Spanish as well as English.

"We're trying to put a voice to the face," she said.

The video will be available for use by contacting Funamura at (888) 692-2084.

In June, she will be part of a public DEET education program featuring Public Health and county Mosquito and Vector Control officials.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

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