Sutter Creek, CA…– Amador County Public Health confirms one human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in
Amador County. Outbreaks of WNV occur each summer in the United States and are most commonly
transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite from a mosquito harboring the virus. Public
Health officials remind the community to take preventative measures to avoid mosquito-borne disease.

“The appearance of West Nile Virus in Amador County is not a surprise,” said Dr. Rita Kerr, Amador
County Health Officer. “WNV has been detected in California and surrounding counties in the past few
months. It is important that people be aware there are measures they can take to minimize exposure to
mosquitos and reduce the chance of becoming infected.”
Prevent mosquito bites by practicing the “Three D’s”:
1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535
according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you.
2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that carry WNV bite in the early morning and evening so it is
important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting
screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on
your property, including flower pots, old car tires, and rain gutters. Mosquito Dunks are another
prevention measure that are dropped in stagnant water, bird baths or ponds and serve to form a
barrier to prevent mosquitos from breeding.
“Rainy weather can create new breeding grounds for mosquitoes if water is allowed to pool and remain
stagnant,” said State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Mosquito season in California peaks in
October, making it critically important that Californians take action to empty even small amounts of water
from our gardens and yards.”
The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals — less than 1 percent — will
develop serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years and older have a
higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious symptoms. Those with diabetes
and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.
To date in 2016, WNV has been detected in 37 California counties.