Several dogs were found at the scene at which his body was discovered
Autopsy indicated advanced infectious disease, although the lab was unable to identify the disease agent
Mr. Winters often traveled for work and would take one or more of his dogs with him
Expired Codeine was found in Mr. Winters' home and his blood was positive for Codeine, although it was prescribed to him
Although no one was around when Justin died, someone did report hearing a male voice shout, "Cry me a river, ohh" on the night of August 30.
***We suspect Justin Winters to be our Patient Zero***
Justin Winters traveled to Thailand and China with his dogs in the last 2 years. He was a client of Caroline Carmen’s at 3C’s Dog Grooming in Lompoc, CA. and the other victims of this infectious disease were also either clients of Carmen or related to a client. This makes us believe Justin Winters was the first to be infected, and his dog must have transferred the disease to others.
Name: Billy Preston DOB: 09/26/1962 Death: 08/28/2016 Hometown: Susanville, CA Occupation: Elementary school teacher Symptoms: Migraine headache, dehydration Travel History:
July 6-20: Sacramento, CA for learning disabilities training and stayed at Hotel 6 Honey lake in Janesville on boat
August 10-16: Camping trip to Mt. Shasta, CA at Trout Creek Camp ground around water
Other Relevant Information: Reports many colds, flus, and respiratory infections each year. He is also known for meeting a gal named Sally, but you'll have to ask her if you want to know more about that since poor Billy is no longer with us. Insect Contact:
Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Ctenocephalides canis
Tick
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Argas Persicus
Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Treatment: Treated with fluids, oxygen, IV antibiotics and IV antivirals. There was an unknown agent present in his blood. He did not respond to treatments and succumbed to an unknown disease on 08/28
Name: Ashley Sloan DOB: 12/02/1985 Death: 9/15/2016 Hometown: Susanville, CA Occupation: House Sitter Symptoms:
Unconscious, low grade fever, general malaise
Travel History:
House sitting all over the area
End of August: Travelled with friends on highway 1 in California from San Diego to Eureka
They stayed in San Diego overnight, then drove up the coast, stopping in Santa Barbra, San Francisco, the Harris Springs camping grounds in Mt. Shasta, the Humboldt state grounds in Arcata, and finally Eureka.
Other Relevant Information:
Her work extended to pet and yard care. She was known for having a pretty Suite Life before she died, but her "Forever is Over," as Boys Like Girls said.
Insect Contact: Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Tick
Rhipicephalis sanguineus
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Argas Persicus
Mosquito
Culiseta melanura
Aedes aegypti
Treatment: Treated with fluids, oxygen, IV antibiotics and IV antivirals. Low grade fever present. There was an unknown agent present in her blood.
Name: Steven Merritt DOB: 11/31/1976 Death: 09/09/2016 Hometown: Janesville, CA Occupation: Construction Worker Symptoms:
Reason for visit: Malaise, headache, and body aches
After spending his days off around the house and visiting a local lake, Merritt developed a fever, low blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat.
Travel History:
Infrequent travel to neighboring counties in California.
Other Relevant Information:
Merritt works actively outdoors within Lassen County mainly in the summer months. He regularly commutes to and from work and even stays in a hotel if his work site is further away. He was exposed to many tick, spider, and mosquito bites, and noticed some strange welts that he thinks are bites.
Steven also encouraged everyone to "Dream On," but the only thing he dreamed about was getting more plastic surgery.
Insect Contact: Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Tick
Argas persicus
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Mosquito
Culiseta melanura
Aedes aegypti
Treatment: There was an unknown pathogen in his blood and was transferred to a local hospital. He was given IV antibiotics, antivirals, and antibodies to common pathogens. He soon slipped into a comma and succumbed to an unknown infection on September 9.
Name: Evelyn Orr DOB: 09/15/1950 Death: 08/28/2016 Hometown: Lompoc, CA Occupation: Retired Pastor Symptoms:
Reason for visit: Severe malaise, dizziness, and high fever
During the hospital: Loss of appetite and stayed in bed for 24 hours.
Travel History:
June-August: Throughout California
April: Yuma, Arizona
September: Alaska
Other Relevant Information:
Pastor Orr spends her time travelling with her husband Gregory Orr in their RV camper. They mentor young pastors, go on mission trips, and travel within California and sometimes outside of the country.
Evelyn also really likes basketball and reality TV. Just don't mention Chad Ochocinco at her funeral.
Insect Contact: Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Tick
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Treatment: Orr visited the ER on August 26. There was an unknown pathogen in her blood and was given fluids, oxygen, IV antibiotics, antivirals, and antibodies. She soon slipped into a comma and succumbed to an unknown infection on August 28.
Name: Caroline Carmen DOB: 09/24/1989 Death: 08/03/2016 Hometown: Lompoc, CA Occupation: Professional dog groomer at 3 C’s Dog Grooming Symptoms:
high fever
severe headache
body aches
gastrointestinal distress
During her hospital stay: hallucination
During her hospital stay: slipped in coma
Treatment: At the ER, Ms. Carmen was treated with fluids, oxygen, IV antibiotics and IV antivirals. Bloodwork showed that an unknown agent was present in her blood. She did not respond to treatments. Patient History:
Ms. Carmen had an autoimmune disorder that required her to have monthly infusions. Her immune system was not as strong as the average person and she was often ill.
At work she specialized in pest treatment and was often bitten by fleas and ticks
Ms. Carmen went for her monthly infusion on August 1 and worked the next day. She felt ill that evening but believed it was normal after the infusion. She awoke in the middle of the night with severe symptoms and called an ambulance to take her to the hospital.
She has not lived or traveled outside of the U.S in two years.
Carolyn really loved her family, especially her daughter Wednesday and their Cousin Itt.
Insect Contact:
Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Culiseta melanura
Anopheles pseudopunctipennis
Uranotaenia iowii
Tick
Rhipicephalus saguineus
Dermacentor variabilis
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Argas Persicus
Kissing Bug
Triatoma neotomae
Triatoma lecticularius
Bed Bug
Cimex lectularius
Name: Barbra Dalton DOB: 11/07/1954 Death: 08/16/2016 Hometown: Lompoc, CA Occupation: Principal of Lompoc High School Symptoms:
Malaise
Headache
Body aches
Travel History:
Has not traveled outside of the U.S. within past 2 years
Treatment:
Barbara Dalton arrived to the ER on 08/11/16 and was treated with fluids, oxygen, and IV antibiotics.
Bloodwork showed that an unknown agent was present in her blood.
She did not respond to treatments.
Other Relevant Information:
Barbara Dalton was part of an animal rescue organization where she handled animals.
She most recently handled dogs at a dog park, one of which had an infestation of fleas.
She was bitten by kissing bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks while at workshops with her organization.
Barbra really loved her family, but has some beef with the Byrnes's.
Has not traveled outside of the U.S. within past 2 years
Recent travel within the U.S. includes:
June-August: Throughout California
April: Yuma, Arizona
September: Alaska
Treatment:
Visited the ER on 08/26/16 after a day of illness.
He was treated with fluids, oxygen, IV antibiotics, and IV antivirals.
He had a low-grade fever and complained of vertigo.
Bloodwork showed that an unknown agent was present in his blood.
He did not respond to treatments.
Other Relevant Information:
Gregory Orr suffered from high blood pressure and the beginnings of liver disease prior to illness.
Gregory Orr and his wife Evelyn Orr both became ill around the same time after traveling through California in an RV.
He slipped into a coma before passing away on 08/29/16.
Gregory knew all about how To Kill A Mockingbird. His knowledge will be missed.
Insect Contact:
No known contact
Name: Helen Vance DOB: 9/26/1962 Death: 8/24/16 Hometown: Hollister, CA Occupation: Real-estate Agent Symptoms:
General malaise
Migraine headache
Dizzy when standing (late-onset symptom)
Travel History:
Has not traveled outside of the U.S. within past 2 years
Recent travel within the U.S. includes:
February: Los Angeles, California
Two weeks in the summer: Mt. Shasta, California
Treatment:
First visited a local medical clinic and prescribed antibiotics
Helen’s symptoms worsened so she was admitted to the hospital on 8/17
Slipped into a coma on 8/19 and was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and antivirals
Identification of the infecting agent was not possible.
She did not respond to treatments and her condition worsened, leading to her death on 8/24/16.
Other Relevant Information:
Helen Vance suffered from skin cancer prior to illness (also had a family history).
Mr. and Mrs. Vance had two cats which live indoors and and Mrs. Vance recalls being bitten by fleas during an infestation.
Mrs. Vance recalled being bitten by insects while on her camping trip over the summer as well as at her home.
Helen loved Queen Elizabeth II. She knew a ton of facts about her, so it is very unfortunate that she can no longer please people with those facts.
Insect Contact: Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Culiseta melanura
Tick
Rhipicephalus saguineus
Argas Persicus
Ornithodoros coriaceus
Flea
Ctenocephalides canis
Ctenocephalides felis
Name: Christopher Vance DOB: 2/4/1959 Death: 8/26/16 Hometown: Hollister, CA Occupation: Engineer Symptoms:
General malaise
Slight headache
Passing out (late-onset symptom)
Travel History:
Has not traveled outside of the U.S. within past 2 years
Recent travel within the U.S. includes:
February: Los Angeles, California
June: Seattle, WA
Two weeks in the summer: Mt. Shasta, California
Treatment:
First visited a local doctor’s office on 8/15 (the day after returning from he and his wife’s camping trip) and prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics
Christopher’s symptoms worsened so he was admitted to the hospital on 8/17
Given supportive treatment in the form of oxygen and fluids as well as treated with antibiotics and antivirals while in the hospital
Slipped into a coma on 8/21 and failed to respond to the treatment he was given
Identification of the infecting agent was not possible
He succumbed to infection on 8/26/16
Other Relevant Information:
No significant family history & only suffered from minor illnesses throughout his lifetime
Spent the bulk of his time in his indoor office but also enjoyed walking outside and doing yard work
Mr. and Mrs. Vance had two cats which lived indoors and whose presence led to a flea infestation, but Mr. Vance does not remember being bitten by anything
Recalls being subject to a bedbug infestation while in Seattle, WA, but does not recall being bitten or what kind of bedbug he might have been exposed to; also recalls some of his work associates getting sick after returning from this trip but Mr. Vance had no symptoms of illness
Recalls presence of ticks and mosquitos at his campground in Mt. Shasta, CA, but does not remember being bitten
Also recalls fellow golfers complaining of painful insect bites but cannot recall if he received any painful bites himself
At first, it was thought that Christopher had a fever, but it was quickly solved by prescribing him more cowbell
Insect Contact:
Unable to recall specific insect bites
Disease Timeline
June-July: Justin Winters traveled to Thailand
June-August: Evelyn Orr & Gregory Orr traveled around California
July 1: Evelyn Orr went to dog groomer
July 8: Gregory Orr went to dog groomer
July 10: Evelyn Orr went to dog groomer
July 23: Barbra Dalton went to dog groomer
August: Justin Winters traveled to Lompoc, CA
Possibly August 1 (date not specified): Barbra Dalton went to dog groomer with workshop attendee that had been traveling; was around dogs all week for workshops in Lompoc, CA (fell ill August 9) August 1: Justin Winters went to dog groomer
August 30: Justin Winters died in backyard of home in Mt. Shasta
August 1: Caroline Carmen had blood infusion but went to work (fell ill August 2)
August 1-August 14: Helen Vance & Christopher Vance traveled, camping trip in Mt. Shasta (Both Helen & Christopher fell ill on August 15)
August 10-16: Billy Preston traveled, camping trip in Mt. Shasta (fell ill on August 21)
August 15: Evelyn Orr & Gregory Orr traveling, visited Mt. Shasta for a few days (fell ill soon after and had fever & dizziness once they got home August 25)
September 5: Steven Merrit fell ill. Mostly worked outdoors before then in Lassen County & neighboring counties. Visited local lake on days off
August 28-September 12: Ashley Sloan traveled, at one point visited camping grounds in Mt. Shasta (fell ill around September 12)