Human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Rialto and San Bernardino, county public health officials announced Tuesday, Aug. 8. They are the first locally acquired infections this year, officials reported. Transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, the virus can cause fever, body aches, rashes, nausea, vomiting and headaches. In a news release, county Health Officer Michael A. Sequeira urged all residents to protect themselves from the disease as summer turns to early fall. Residents can do so by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored; draining all standing water around their property; check that all doors and windows have tight-fitting screens; and using insect repellent with EPA-approved ingredients such as DEET, IR 3535, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. [related_articles location=”right” show_article_date=”false” article_type=”automatic-primary-tag”] Dawn and dusk tend to be when people are most susceptible to mosquito bites. While many infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, people 50 and older, as well as individuals with diabetes or hypertension as well as those who are immunocompromised or have a recent history of chemotherapy, have a higher chance of getting sick and developing complications. Medical help should be sought if you develop a sudden fever over 102 degrees, experience a severe headache or a stiff neck, officials said. For more information, visit ehs.sbcounty.gov/programs/mosquito-and-vector-control/ or call 800-442-2283.

First 2023 cases of West Nile virus reported in two San Bernardino County cities