FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023
FIRST SIGNS OF WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IN YOLO COUNTY
Activity continues in areas of Sacramento County
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that the first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) activity have been detected in Yolo County as one mosquito sample collected from Woodland has tested positive for the disease. At the same time, West Nile virus activity continues to gradually increase in Sacramento County as more mosquito samples and dead birds have tested positive recently. “As the weather gets warmer, West Nile virus activity will steadily increase,” said Gary Goodman District Manager. “We had a very wet winter and activity has started earlier than in recent years. This is a cause for concern, especially as summer is around the corner and we are approaching the hottest months of the year when activity typically intensifies. We urge residents continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” indicated Gary Goodman, District Manager.
In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing and will perform ground treatments in areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health.
Next week has also been declared National Mosquito Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). AMCA is an international organization of nearly 2,000 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control programs since 1935.
Another ongoing concern is the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout our District. Aedes aegypti were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights and Aedes albopictus were found in south Natomas last year. This season, surveillance efforts have once again detected both of these invasive mosquito species at different sites in Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes aggressively bite during the day and pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
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.
2023 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 2 mosquito samples and 10 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 1 mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus to date
Activity continues in areas of Sacramento County
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that the first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) activity have been detected in Yolo County as one mosquito sample collected from Woodland has tested positive for the disease. At the same time, West Nile virus activity continues to gradually increase in Sacramento County as more mosquito samples and dead birds have tested positive recently. “As the weather gets warmer, West Nile virus activity will steadily increase,” said Gary Goodman District Manager. “We had a very wet winter and activity has started earlier than in recent years. This is a cause for concern, especially as summer is around the corner and we are approaching the hottest months of the year when activity typically intensifies. We urge residents continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” indicated Gary Goodman, District Manager.
In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing and will perform ground treatments in areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health.
Next week has also been declared National Mosquito Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). AMCA is an international organization of nearly 2,000 public health professionals dedicated to preserving the public’s health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control programs since 1935.
Another ongoing concern is the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout our District. Aedes aegypti were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 in Citrus Heights and Aedes albopictus were found in south Natomas last year. This season, surveillance efforts have once again detected both of these invasive mosquito species at different sites in Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes aggressively bite during the day and pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
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.
2023 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 2 mosquito samples and 10 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 1 mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus to date
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 them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
