What You Need to Know About West Nile Virus in Fresno

This past month we are seeing more cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). In fact, there has been a record number of cases in Fresno since July.  West Nile Virus is a member of the encephalitis virus antigenic complex, and can lead to a wide range of clinical symptoms from no symptoms at all to severe meningitis and encephalitis. Humans get WNV infection from infected mosquito bites. The symptoms start 2-15 days after a mosquito bite, and can last for several days. The elderly and patients with other medical conditions are more likely to have severe symptoms that require hospitalization.

When is WNV more prevalent? During the mosquito season, which is late summer and early Fall.

What kind of symptoms does it cause? The majority of patients have no symptoms at all. However 20-40% will experience a high fever, headache, weakness, back pain, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. A red rash may appear as well. A very small minority of patients can  experience encephalitis, meningitis, or an acute asymmetric flaccid paralysis.

Are there any lingering symptoms after the infection? After the acute infection, many patients with WNV infection experience persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, memory impairment, weakness, headache, and balance problems.

How do I get tested? Contact your primary care doctor. If you have significant symptoms, you may likely be referred to your nearest emergency room. 

How do I protect my family from WNV infection? Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors during the night and early morning. If you are outside during the time mosquitoes are out, wear long sleeves and pants. You may also use insect repellent. Lemon-eucalyptus essential oil can keep mosquitoes away, as can commercially prepared mosquito repellents.

How do I protect my home? Mosquitoes live and lay their eggs in standing water. Get rid of standing water in bird baths, old tires, pot holes, and buckets. If you have a pond in your yard, get some mosquito fish to eat the mosquito eggs. You can get mosquito fish for free by calling the city at 559-268-6565.

How do I protect my pet? Animal can get WNV infection too, especially horses. Change the water in your pets dishes daily — avoid leaving standing water out for your furry friends. Contact your vet and ask about the WNV vaccine series.

How do I protect my community? Dead birds are a potential sign that WNV has infected animals in your neighborhood. If you see a dead bird, do not touch it with your bare hands. Call the West Nile Dead Bird Program at 1-877-968-2473. Swimming pools that are not maintained also breed mosquitoes, so report these green swamp-like pools to the Fresno Mosquito Control office at 559-268-6565.

The doctor will hear you now.

Your first appointment with Dr. Tais will include a comprehensive medical history and in-depth discussion about all your health concerns. We want it to be the most enlightening appointment you've ever had.

What Patients Are Saying

  • "I just saw Dr. Tais for the first time yesterday, and she was beyond wonderful. She will be my PCP moving forward. This was the first time that I truly felt heard, listened to, and cared for with regard to my health and complicated thyroid issues. She sat with me for about 35 minutes just talking...asking questions...listening."

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  • "I loved my experience with Dr. Tais! She was very patient with me, answered all my questions, and helped me manage my thyroid issues. I’ve never felt better! I’ll recommend her to all my friends and family!"

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  • "I have seen Dr. Tais twice now & I am really thankful to have found her! She is helping me with my thyroid related problems. She really cares & responds quickly when I have questions. She is awesome."

  • "I was thrilled that Dr. Tais took the time to ask questions that no one ever asked and actually listened to my concerns. She seems truly interested in finding the root of the problem in order to find a solution. And being able to speak to her on the phone is priceless. I'd give her 10 stars if I could."

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  • "Finally, I found Dr. Tais, and I only wish I had found her ten years sooner. I've never had a doctor sit down and really look at my holistic health issues... she allowed me to be a part of making the choices for my course of treatment. I highly recommend Dr. Tais -- she has changed my life."

  • "She is now the only doctor I trust... and am now a loyal and lifelong patient. I am feeling so much better now and we are working to fine tune the treatments... The follow up visits aren't too much more expensive than my regular copays with my health insurance and my husband agrees that Dr.Tais is worth every penny!!!"

  • "I have been to several doctors over the years and no one could give me the answers I needed. My thyroid has been out of whack for some time all I would hear is "your labs are normal...you're tired because you have kids!" Dr. Tais ran the labs that I needed to get to the bottom of my problem."

  • "I've been seeing Dr. Tais for several years now. She is very attentive, gentle, & thorough. I feel comfortable sharing my concerns with her. What is so refreshing is that unlike allopathic doctors, she doesn't try to give write you a prescription for every ailment just to mask symptoms."

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