More West Nile cases found - this time in Riverside County
Health officials have collected mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in Hemet and Murrieta, and in the Lake Skinner and Nuevo areas -- the second time infected mosquitoes have been found this year in Riverside County, according to health officials.
The mosquitoes were found during routine surveillance by the county Department of Environmental Health's vector-control staff.
The California Department of Public Health confirmed the presence of the virus Friday.
No cases of West Nile virus among humans have been reported in 2008.
In 2007, 16 human cases were reported in Riverside County.
The virus is transmitted to people and animals by bites from infected mosquitoes.
A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with the virus in its blood. The virus is most prevalent from May to October, when mosquitoes are abundant.
The California Department of Public Health monitors birds for the virus.
Anyone who finds crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead less than 24 hours is asked to call toll-free to (877) WNV-BIRD.
A slew of other West Nile cases have been reported in Southern California, but some fish may provide help in fighting the disease.
-- Monte Morin
Photo: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times
