April 16th, 2021
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
BZZZZ…..FIGHT THE BITE!
MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK IS APRIL 18-24
ELK GROVE, Calif. Spring is in the air and so are mosquitoes! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week, April 18-24. This week kicks off the District’s public information and education campaign to keep residents aware about the health risks associated with mosquitoes. As Covid stay-at-home orders are slowly being lifted and people start spending more time outside, it’s important for everyone to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito transmitted diseases. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can stay safe from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “This year the weather is already very warm and conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to thrive,” indicated Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “At least once a week remember to look around your yard and drain any water from flowerpots, bird baths, tires, dog dishes and other small sources where water can accumulate and breed mosquitoes. Reducing mosquitoes now, will go a long way later in the season,” emphasized Goodman.
In addition to mosquitoes, another concern this season is ticks. In recent weeks the District’s laboratory surveillance program has seen an increase in the number of ticks that have tested positive for Lyme Disease. Most of the infected ticks have been found along the American River Parkways and near Willow Creek Park in Folsom. The best way to prevent getting tick-borne diseases is to avoid coming into contact with them and preventing bites. If you are spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are common remember to walk along well groomed trails, use tick repellent and perform tick checks on all family members and pets.
For more information on mosquito and tick prevention visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Monday, April 19 — Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaign
Tuesday, April 20—Announcement of the annual Fight the Bite contest winners
Wednesday, April 22 — Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
Saturday, April 24—Participation in Rancho Cordova Kids Day
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
