FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2017
Contact: Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337 E-mail: lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net

WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY INCREASES THROUGHOUT ELK GROVE
Elk Grove, Calif. — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District continues to monitor West Nile virus activity throughout the District and especially around Elk Grove where last week there was an increase in the amount of mosquito samples that tested positive from traps collected in both urban and rural locations. “We’re closely monitoring and keeping an eye on Elk Grove since WNV activity is steadily rising,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “This is an area of concern for us and to date, most of the mosquito samples that have tested positive are located between I-5 and Hwy 99 and from Laguna Blvd to Twin Cities Rd.” added Goodman. In response to the increased WNV activity, the District will continue surveillance efforts testing mosquitoes for virus, treating mosquitoes in all known aquatic sources and performing adult mosquito control as necessary throughout parks, neighborhoods and other agricultural sources in areas where the mosquitoes have tested positive. To see a map of the WNV findings to date in the area, click here.

Throughout the state, West Nile virus activity continues to steadily increase and to date it has been detected in 31 counties. In 2016 there were 442 human cases and 19 deaths related to West Nile virus.

Another disease that is re-emerging throughout the state is St. Louis encephalitis, a virus spread by the same mosquito species that can transmit West Nile virus. In the last couple of weeks, St. Louis encephalitis has been moving north being detected in Placer, Yuba and Stanislaus counties as well as in other areas of the state.

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.

2017 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 63 mosquito samples, 37 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 25 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.