San Francisco health officials advise travelers
on West Nile virus

By Ari Burack, Bay City News Service

July 14, 2006

San Francisco public health officials are offering West Nile virus prevention advice for those summer travelers seeking warmer climes outside of the foggy, mostly mosquito sheltered city.

In a statement from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, officials warned that West Nile virus has been detected this year in 17 California counties.

On Wednesday a second bird was found in Contra Costa County that tested positive for the virus, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District reported.

About two weeks ago the Santa Clara County Vector Control District reported finding two infected birds and several infected mosquitoes in the San Jose area.

The Department of Public Health released several guidelines for choosing and using mosquito repellents for travelers venturing into areas where contact with infected mosquitoes is more likely.

Department officials advised that adults read all labels before applying repellents to the skin or clothing; seek out products containing DEET or Picaridin; and be careful to re apply DEET repellent after swimming or heavy perspiration.

For children, health officials advised products containing Picaridin. They recommended avoiding products that combine repellent with sunscreen. Also, parents were advised that adults should apply repellent to children and products should be kept safely away from children.

Repellents containing oil or lemon eucalyptus may sting when applied to children or those with sensitive skin, according to health officials.

More information on West Nile Virus can be found at http://www.sfmosquito.org or http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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