FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2024
April 12, 2024
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 record amount of rain and very high West Nile virus activity in 2023 could mean another busy and intense mosquito season ahead! This is why the California Legislature declared April 14-20 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. “This year the weather is already very warm and conditions are 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, remember to 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. Last year there was a sharp increase in human cases of West Nile virus in our area. Sacramento County reported 53 cases and Yolo County registered 39 cases. This is a huge upsurge compared to 2022 when there were 5 and 3 cases respectively. 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 15 — Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaign
Wednesday, April 17 — Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
Thursday, April 18– School Event (Media only, contact for information)
Saturday, April 20—Educational booth at Davis Picnic Day and Sacramento Doggy Dash Winters Youth Day
MOSQUITO AND WEST NILE VIRUS AWARENESS WEEK IS HERE
ELK GROVE, Calif. A record amount of rain and very high West Nile virus activity in 2023 could mean another busy and intense mosquito season ahead! This is why the California Legislature declared April 14-20 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. “This year the weather is already very warm and conditions are 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, remember to 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. Last year there was a sharp increase in human cases of West Nile virus in our area. Sacramento County reported 53 cases and Yolo County registered 39 cases. This is a huge upsurge compared to 2022 when there were 5 and 3 cases respectively. 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 15 — Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaign
Wednesday, April 17 — Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
Thursday, April 18– School Event (Media only, contact for information)
Saturday, April 20—Educational booth at Davis Picnic Day and Sacramento Doggy Dash Winters Youth 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 them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net
