West Nile Virus returns to Motherlode - mymotherlode.com

As temperatures warm up, the West Nile virus season has begun. Based on recent test samples from multiple dead birds and mosquitoes, residents in both the Mother Lode and the central valley are at risk of contracting West Nile disease.

Dr Todd Stolp, Tuolumne Public Health Officer, was Friday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

West Nile Virus is a disease that is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes.
“Most people infected with West Nile virus will not get sick or will only experience mild flu-like symptoms,” said Stolp. ”Rarely, the virus causes an inflammation of the brain resulting in serious illness or death.”
West Nile virus is established throughout the entire state of California including Calaveras and Tuolumne County. West Nile Virus was first detected in the Mother Lode in 2004.

For more of the story read  http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/212515/west-nile-virus-returns.html