1st Positive Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Shasta County

Shasta County’s first case of West Nile Virus in a human has been confirmed by public health officials. An adult Redding resident was hospitalized with the virus last Thursday and the positive test was reported Wednesday. This is after a record number of positive mosquito samples were found by Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District earlier this month. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck. Everyone should check their yards and eliminate standing water where mosquitos can breed. West Nile is especially deadly for horses, the only species for which a vaccine exists. Heavy mosquito problems can be reported to 365-3768 or shastamosquito.org. Dead crows, jays and magpies can be reported to westnile.ca.gov.