FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2022
August 17, 2022
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916-405-2082 | Cell: 916-416-6337
E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY ON THE RISE IN YOLO COUNTY
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed that West Nile virus (WNV) activity is on the rise especially in Yolo County. Laboratory surveillance results obtained today revealed 12 mosquito samples and 2 dead birds tested positive for the virus. Over the last couple of weeks, virus activity has been steadily increasing especially in the cities of Woodland, Davis, and surrounding areas where most of the activity is currently concentrated. Areas within Sacramento County have also registered activity and are also being closely monitored. “In general, WNV activity has not been as intense this year and it is much lower than other seasons,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “However, the extremely hot weather of this week can quickly change this. We are in the middle of summer and it’s important to not let your guard down. Everyone needs to be aware and protect themselves from mosquitoes and West Nile virus,” added Goodman. In addition to mosquitoes and dead birds that have tested positive, recently the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency confirmed the first human case of WNV.
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 around affected areas will also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes that can pose a public health threat.
Another ongoing concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti. Invasive mosquitoes were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019. To date, surveillance efforts have detected ongoing invasive mosquito populations in the cities of Winters, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Arden-Arcade and other areas in Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. Invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time this year in neighboring Placer and Contra Costa counties.
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. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website under Spraying Updates.
2022 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 23 dead birds, 17 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 6 dead birds, 37 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed that West Nile virus (WNV) activity is on the rise especially in Yolo County. Laboratory surveillance results obtained today revealed 12 mosquito samples and 2 dead birds tested positive for the virus. Over the last couple of weeks, virus activity has been steadily increasing especially in the cities of Woodland, Davis, and surrounding areas where most of the activity is currently concentrated. Areas within Sacramento County have also registered activity and are also being closely monitored. “In general, WNV activity has not been as intense this year and it is much lower than other seasons,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “However, the extremely hot weather of this week can quickly change this. We are in the middle of summer and it’s important to not let your guard down. Everyone needs to be aware and protect themselves from mosquitoes and West Nile virus,” added Goodman. In addition to mosquitoes and dead birds that have tested positive, recently the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency confirmed the first human case of WNV.
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 around affected areas will also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes that can pose a public health threat.
Another ongoing concern is the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti. Invasive mosquitoes were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019. To date, surveillance efforts have detected ongoing invasive mosquito populations in the cities of Winters, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Arden-Arcade and other areas in Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. Invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time this year in neighboring Placer and Contra Costa counties.
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. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website under Spraying Updates.
2022 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 23 dead birds, 17 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 6 dead birds, 37 mosquito samples have 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
