Imperial County Residents Advised to be More Cautious against West Nile Virus

Residents of Imperial County have been advised to take extra precautions against West Nile Virus, according to IV Press Online.

"This is a good time to remind everyone that the potential still exists for the West Nile Virus," said Andrea Bowers, assistant public information officer for the Imperial County Public Health Department.

The West Nile Virus is typically transmitted through mosquito bites. These mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

However, doctors clarified that the virus cannot spread through mere contact.

"Before it even happens, we need to take extra precaution," Bowers lamented.

Residents have also been advised to follow other safety measures including the wearing of loose fitting, light-colored long sleeve clothes, making sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and by eliminating all sources of standing water on personal property.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache and body aches. Children and the elderly tend to show more symptoms.

Bowers told IV Press Online that one of the cases was found after a man donated blood. He did not get ill.

Nine cases of West Nile Virus infection have been reported in the Imperial County since 2003, the year the virus first arrived in the country.