This is the first confirmed case of a person becoming infected with West Nile virus here in SLO County. In prior cases, residents became infected while traveling to other areas where the virus is more widespread.
Health officials emphasized this news does not highlight a major risk to the public but rather a moment to focus on awareness and prevention of West Nile virus, which is relatively common in much of the U.S.
“We want our community to be aware that West Nile virus has spread here in SLO County, but it does not appear to be spreading widely and the risk to the public remains very low. Together, we can take simple steps to prevent further spread, like protecting against mosquito bites and keeping an eye out for sources of standing water that make it easy for mosquitoes to breed,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer.
