FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023
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 HERE
ELK GROVE, Calif. A very wet winter, late spring rain and warm temperatures make the ideal mosquito breeding conditions that will likely result in a busy mosquito season ahead! This is why the California Legislature declared April 16-22 as Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week. This week kicks off the District’s public information and education campaign to keep residents aware about the health risks associated with mosquitoes. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can protect themselves from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “There’s a lot of stagnant water and as temperatures warm up, conditions will be perfect for mosquitoes to thrive,” added Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “Warm weather is great for spending time in your yard, 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.
Mosquitoes continue to pose serious public health risks as they can transmit debilitating diseases such as West Nile virus. Last year in California, there were 208 confirmed human cases including 13 fatalities. Also of concern are the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which continue to spread to different areas within District boundaries. These mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Thursday, April 20 — Announcement of the annual Fight the Bite contest winners
Friday, April 21–Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK IS HERE
ELK GROVE, Calif. A very wet winter, late spring rain and warm temperatures make the ideal mosquito breeding conditions that will likely result in a busy mosquito season ahead! This is why the California Legislature declared April 16-22 as Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week. This week kicks off the District’s public information and education campaign to keep residents aware about the health risks associated with mosquitoes. “Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can protect themselves from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “There’s a lot of stagnant water and as temperatures warm up, conditions will be perfect for mosquitoes to thrive,” added Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “Warm weather is great for spending time in your yard, 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.
Mosquitoes continue to pose serious public health risks as they can transmit debilitating diseases such as West Nile virus. Last year in California, there were 208 confirmed human cases including 13 fatalities. Also of concern are the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which continue to spread to different areas within District boundaries. These mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Monday, April 17 — Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaign
Thursday, April 20 — Announcement of the annual Fight the Bite contest winners
Friday, April 21–Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
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
