FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2022
April 20, 2022
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
SPRING 2022 “FIGHT THE BITE” CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Elk Grove, CA. — As part of Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces the winners of the 2022 annual “Fight the Bite” Contest for students in grades K-12. In an effort to teach children about the importance of mosquito control and prevention, the contest encourages kids to use art and submit a drawing that promotes the Fight the Bite theme to inspire everyone to prevent mosquitoes by practicing key messages such as draining standing water from containers commonly found in the backyard and using mosquito repellent to prevent bites especially if spending time outdoors. “The children are very talented and creative. We’re happy to know they can use art to convey important mosquito prevention messages,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. As temperatures increase and mosquito populations become more abundant, it’s important for both children and adults to do everything they can to stay protected,” added Goodman. While West Nile virus activity has not been detected to date, the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti, which was first detected within District boundaries in 2019 continues to rapidly spread and last year it was found for the first time in Elk Grove and the city of Sacramento along with other known detection sites in both Sacramento and Yolo counties.
For the Fight the bite Contest students were divided into three grade categories: K-3, 4-6 and 7-12. Entries were based on: creativity, originality and the ability to effectively communicate one or more of the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention. Twelve winners were selected and the three first place winners will receive a surprise visit to their school and a cash prize.
**Winning artwork will be featured on the District website www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
and social media**
First place winners are:
K-3 Sunny Le from Carroll Elementary
4-6 Miya Hill from Phoebe Hearst Elementary
7-12 Hanna Yu from Sutter Middle School
Elk Grove, CA. — As part of Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces the winners of the 2022 annual “Fight the Bite” Contest for students in grades K-12. In an effort to teach children about the importance of mosquito control and prevention, the contest encourages kids to use art and submit a drawing that promotes the Fight the Bite theme to inspire everyone to prevent mosquitoes by practicing key messages such as draining standing water from containers commonly found in the backyard and using mosquito repellent to prevent bites especially if spending time outdoors. “The children are very talented and creative. We’re happy to know they can use art to convey important mosquito prevention messages,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. As temperatures increase and mosquito populations become more abundant, it’s important for both children and adults to do everything they can to stay protected,” added Goodman. While West Nile virus activity has not been detected to date, the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti, which was first detected within District boundaries in 2019 continues to rapidly spread and last year it was found for the first time in Elk Grove and the city of Sacramento along with other known detection sites in both Sacramento and Yolo counties.
For the Fight the bite Contest students were divided into three grade categories: K-3, 4-6 and 7-12. Entries were based on: creativity, originality and the ability to effectively communicate one or more of the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention. Twelve winners were selected and the three first place winners will receive a surprise visit to their school and a cash prize.
**Winning artwork will be featured on the District website www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
and social media**
First place winners are:
K-3 Sunny Le from Carroll Elementary
4-6 Miya Hill from Phoebe Hearst Elementary
7-12 Hanna Yu from Sutter Middle School
Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:
DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.
DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call us at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
