On October 3 the Kern County Department of Public Health confirmed that the first two deaths from complications of a neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection in California this year were a man from Taft, 86 and a man from Bakersfield, 37. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans, birds, and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito.

”No one can predict if they will be one of the few to become severely ill from this virus,” said Public Health Director Matt Constantine. “It is imperative to protect ourselves, our children, and the elderly from exposure by preventing mosquito bites and by removing sources for mosquito breeding around our homes.” It is advised that all places where mosquitos may lay their eggs be cleared of shallow, standing water.

This is part of the October 07, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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