Community effort needed in the fight against ‘ankle biters’: 15 cases of West Nile Virus found in Kern in 2023

Luis Garcia
·1 min read

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Mosquito season has begun in Kern County and multiple agencies are working together to Fight the Bit this year.

“Ankle biters,” or Aedes aegypti, mosquitos are the biggest concern in Kern. This type of mosquito is known to spread St. Louis Encephalitis and the culex can cause West Nile Virus.

Tri-tip sandwich at Harris Ranch BBQ

In 2023, Kern County Public Health reported 15 cases of West Nile and two cases of St. Louis Encephalitis.

The best line of defense is using a bug repellant containing 25% Deet or more, and to drain any standing water around your home or children’s play areas.

Terry Knight with the Kern Mosquito District said the three most problematic breeding sites for mosquito include:

  • Irrigation valve boxes

  • Yard drains

  • Potted plants

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“It’s gonna take community effort out of every homeowner and every renter here within our district,” Knight said.

“There is currently no treatment, or vaccine for either disease,” according to Michelle Corson with Kern County Public Health.

More than 400 Kern County residents have been diagnosed with West Nile since the first case back in 2004.

Symptoms for both West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Rash

  • Vomiting

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