Speculation on the West Nile Virus Cluster - By N.L. Belardes
I wrote a piece this morning on the Bakersfield.com blogs speculating a bit about the West Nile Virus Cluster in East Bakersfield.
It's disturbing.
There's a problem that's going on that I think blends migratory bird patterns, poor follow-up by city officials, stagnant water from a hot and dry summer, and a slumping housing market...
From the ABC 23 Files on Bakersfield.com:
This may be total speculation related to this article yesterday on ABC 23 about the East Bakersfield West Nile Virus Cluster, but I can't help but wonder about factors not even mentioned.
Of course we have to think about so many factors involved in why there is a cluster of West Nile Virus infections in Bakersfield. 22/25 confirmed cases in the entire state, with most located in east Bakersfield.
Other factors? Migratory bird patterns, bird feeding habits, underground water systems that could sometimes get blockages and cause standing water. Sumps, park ponds...Is the city doing its fair job of fending off mosquitos from such stagnant areas that are especially dangerous during dry years?
Notice I said dry years, not after wet years.
(Read the full entry)
It's disturbing.
There's a problem that's going on that I think blends migratory bird patterns, poor follow-up by city officials, stagnant water from a hot and dry summer, and a slumping housing market...
From the ABC 23 Files on Bakersfield.com:
This may be total speculation related to this article yesterday on ABC 23 about the East Bakersfield West Nile Virus Cluster, but I can't help but wonder about factors not even mentioned.
Of course we have to think about so many factors involved in why there is a cluster of West Nile Virus infections in Bakersfield. 22/25 confirmed cases in the entire state, with most located in east Bakersfield.
Other factors? Migratory bird patterns, bird feeding habits, underground water systems that could sometimes get blockages and cause standing water. Sumps, park ponds...Is the city doing its fair job of fending off mosquitos from such stagnant areas that are especially dangerous during dry years?
Notice I said dry years, not after wet years.
(Read the full entry)
Labels: east Bakersfield, hosts, mosquito, swamp, vectors, West Nile Virus cluster, yellow fever
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Friday, July 20, 2007.
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