FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916-405-2082 | Cell: 916-416-6337
E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
FIRST MOSQUITO SAMPLE OF THE SEASON AND TWO MORE BIRDS TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
Elk Grove, Ca.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed today that the first mosquito sample of the season has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquito sample was collected from the city of Sacramento, in the area of south Land Park in close proximity to the first positive bird reported last week. “As we expected, the very warm weather we’ve had recently increased the number of mosquitoes and accelerated virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves,” added Goodman. As part of the laboratory results received today, two dead birds also tested positive for the disease. Other counties throughout the state have also started to report West Nile virus activity. Last year in California there were 433 confirmed human cases of the disease, including 19 fatalities.
The detection of this recent WNV activity is evidence that the disease is present and the public should take proper precautions to stay protected. “Summer is around the corner and as more people enjoy outdoor activities it’s important to remember that the best protection against mosquito bites is an effective insect repellent,” said Goodman. Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds, neglected pools and other mosquito problems.
As a response to the finding of WNV, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and monitoring in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. Targeted ground spraying may also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes.
For current information about District activities, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
2024 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 3 dead birds and 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: No activity has been registered so far.
Elk Grove, Ca.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed today that the first mosquito sample of the season has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquito sample was collected from the city of Sacramento, in the area of south Land Park in close proximity to the first positive bird reported last week. “As we expected, the very warm weather we’ve had recently increased the number of mosquitoes and accelerated virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves,” added Goodman. As part of the laboratory results received today, two dead birds also tested positive for the disease. Other counties throughout the state have also started to report West Nile virus activity. Last year in California there were 433 confirmed human cases of the disease, including 19 fatalities.
The detection of this recent WNV activity is evidence that the disease is present and the public should take proper precautions to stay protected. “Summer is around the corner and as more people enjoy outdoor activities it’s important to remember that the best protection against mosquito bites is an effective insect repellent,” said Goodman. Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds, neglected pools and other mosquito problems.
As a response to the finding of WNV, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and monitoring in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. Targeted ground spraying may also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes.
For current information about District activities, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
2024 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 3 dead birds and 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: No activity has been registered so far.
