First Mosquito Sample of the Season Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

FIRST MOSQUITO SAMPLE OF THE SEASON TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
–First indication of West Nile virus in Sacramento County
 
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 near Longview Dr. and Watt Ave. in north Sacramento County. “As we expected, after finding the first positive bird earlier in the week in Davis, now we are finding virus in the mosquito populations, “ said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “As temperatures get warmer over the next few weeks and as we head into summer, we expect WNV activity to continue,” he added.  The District encourages residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves. Other counties throughout the state have also started to report West Nile virus activity. Last year in California there were 129 confirmed human cases of the disease, including 12 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. “As more people enjoy outdoor activities during the warm spring evenings, 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 breeding 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.