County's first human case of West Nile reported County's first human case of West Nile reported (September 14, 2005)

The first human case of West Nile Virus has shown up in San Mateo County, but county officials said that the infected person probably picked up the virus outside the state.

The patient was hospitalized for several days, and is now home and expected to recover fully, according to Beverly Thames of the San Mateo County Health Department.

"Although this individual did not acquire West Nile Virus in California, the virus has been detected in birds and mosquitoes in San Mateo County," said Dr. Scott Morrow, the county health officer.

While a few people suffer serious illness from the mosquito-borne virus, most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito don't get sick, and those who do usually suffer a mild flu-like illness. The elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness, health officials say.

Dr. Morrow noted that West Nile Virus is preventable, with proper precautions. Recommended precautions include:

** Drain standing water around the house weekly, since that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Standing-water sources can include tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

** Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn.

** Use insect repellent that include DEET, and follow label instructions carefully.

** Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk hours or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

Anyone who sees a mosquito problem anywhere in the county is asked to call the Mosquito Abatement District at 344-8592.

For more information on West Nile Virus, log on at the county health department's Web site at smhealth.org/fightthebite; or the mosquito abatement district's Web site at smcmad.org.

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