Monterey County Sees First Travel-Linked Zika Case
Meanwhile, Sonoma officials are stepping up their efforts to prepare for the virus in case it begins to spread locally.
Monterey Herald:
Zika Virus Infection Detected In Monterey County Resident
Monterey County health officials reported the first travel-associated Zika virus infection in a Monterey County resident Saturday. According to the Monterey County Health Department, the infected individual traveled to Central America in June and July before becoming ill upon returning to the U.S. The individual received medical care from a primary care provider, which requested Zika testing from the Monterey County Health Department. A lab test confirmed the Zika virus infection. (Wright, 8/1)
The Press Democrat:
Zika Virus Precautions Taken By Sonoma County Officials
The mosquito traps are out and medical surveillance systems are being put into place, as Sonoma County health officials and mosquito control experts prepare for the possible spread locally of Zika, an alarming viral threat that can cause severe deformities in unborn children. While it’s not here yet, transmission of the virus — from mosquito to human and back — has recently been detected in Florida, prompting local officials to plan a response. The two mosquito types that can carry the virus, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are currently present in the Los Angeles area and other parts of Southern California. Prior to this year they were detected in San Mateo and Alameda counties, though they were quickly eradicated. (Espinoza, 8/1)
In other news, Orange County's mosquito control is deploying strike teams to try to contain the spread of the West Nile virus —
Orange County Register:
West Nile Virus Activity Spreads To 16th Orange County City
West Nile virus activity continues to accelerate in Orange County, with mosquitoes testing positive in Fountain Valley, the 16th local city this year. ...So far this year there have been 74 positive mosquito samples countywide, while a year ago at this time there were only 40, [Jared] Dever said. Statewide, there have been three human cases of West Nile virus this season, although none in Orange County, according to the California Department of Public Health. (Perkes, 8/1)