As if COVID-19 and influenza aren’t enough, parts of the South Coast have another type of illness posing a threat.
West Nile Virus has been found in Santa Barbara County for the first time in more than three years.
The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. A mosquito caught during a regular trapping program by Santa Barbara County’s Mosquito and Vector Control District tested positive for the virus
Brian Cabrera is the District’s General Manager. He says the mosquito was found in a neighborhood between Santa Barbara and Goleta. He says the number one thing people can do to stop the mosquitoes is to remove stagnant water from their yards, because that’s where the mosquitoes breed.
As a general precaution, Cabrera suggests using mosquito repellent, avoiding being out at times of day when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing clothes to protect arms and legs.
West Nile doesn’t affect most people. For a few, it can cause flu-like symptoms. And, for older adults and those with pre-existing health issues it can cause serious illness or death.
