HOME PAGE | SEARCH | DIRECTORY | CONTACT HSA

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Public Health Department
-- West Nile Virus (WNV) Information --

This page is intended for people living within Santa Cruz County. The purpose of this web page is to provide accurate and timely information about the West Nile Virus. 

Public Bulletins - Health Care Provider Info - Fight the Bite -  Web Resources - Contacts

West Nile Virus (WNV) is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito and may cause serious illness and, in rare cases, death. Not all persons who are bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill. Only about one percent of those infected will develop serious illness. Nevertheless, public health authorities consider this a serious problem and are working to provide preventive measures and education for the public.

Current State-by-State Case Count

There is no human vaccine and no specific treatment for West Nile disease; the things you can do to protect yourself are to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and avoid mosquito bites. 

Click here for information about the current status of West Nile Virus in California.

Click on the image above to view our special Fight the Bite Mosquito Prevention web page!

Health Care Provider Information
Health care providers are urged to increase the index of suspicion for WNV among patients presenting with aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or atypical Guillain-Barre´ syndrome. 

• For testing procedures, please refer to the Health Care Provider Information to the right. 

• Report any dead crows, ravens, magpies, jays, sparrows and finches that may have been dead less than 48 hours by calling the state’s toll free line: 1-877-WNV-BIRD. 

• Call Santa Cruz County Disease Control at (831) 454-4114 if you desire additional assistance.