March 10, 2010

FIGHT THE BITE CONTEST HELPS AREA SCHOOLS

Children will learn about mosquito prevention and may bring money into the classroom

Elk Grove, Calif.— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District’s annual Fight the Bite Design a Calendar page contest for local students in grades K-12 is going on now! In an effort to inform the community about mosquitoes and West Nile virus prevention, the contest encourages kids to creatively design a calendar page inspiring everyone to practice any or all of the District 7 D’s of Mosquito Prevention.  “Involving the students is key to improving their knowledge about reducing mosquitoes and keeping them safe from West Nile virus,” said David Brown, District Manager.  “It’s a fun way for kids to learn about an important topic and we encourage everyone to enter.”

Since many area schools are struggling with budget cuts, this year, aside from prizes for individual winners, a cash prize will also be awarded to the classrooms of the winning students. There will be three first place classroom prizes of $450.00 each, to be used on educational supplies! Fliers have been distributed through the schools and teachers are encouraged to make the contest a classroom project to get more children to participate.

Students will be divided into three grade categories: K-3, 4-8 and 9-12.  Calendar pages will be based on the following criteria: creativity, originality and the ability to effectively communicate one or more of the District D’s of prevention.  Winners will be determined by a panel of judges and announced during Mosquito Awareness Week in April. Winning entries will be made into a calendar and distributed at District activities.

Contest entries are due to District offices by 3:00 pm on Wednesday, March 31^st. Click here for details and to download entry forms.

***PHOTO OPPORTUNITY***

WHEN: Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 9:15 a.m.
WHERE: Isador Cohen Elementary, 9025 Salmon Falls Dr. Sacramento,
WHAT: Children listening to a presentation and participating in the contest

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

Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082 |  Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

October 15, 2009

EARLY RAINS FOLLOWED BY WARM TEMPERATURES MAY BRING MOSQUITOES

– District Reminds you to Drain After the Rain

Elk Grove, Calif.— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds the public to “drain after every rain” to prevent mosquitoes! Wet weather followed by warm temperatures can create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so it becomes necessary to have good water management practices around the house. “The powerful storm brought a lot of rain and we urge all residents to inspect their homes and drain any water that might have collected in buckets, cans, flowerpots, old tires or any other container around their yard” said David Brown, District Manager. “Though mosquito activity had decreased in the last few weeks, rain and warm temperatures can certainly provide appropriate conditions for mosquitoes and we need everyone to do their part” said Brown.

The excessive rains of the past few days and the fall leaves have also clogged many street storm drains creating flooding problems throughout the area. Since mosquitoes often grow in wet storm drains, the District asks all residents to their use green waste containers for all garden materials. Using the containers will prevent mosquitoes from developing in the drains and will make for cleaner, safer streets.  Homeowners should also inspect their roof gutters and ensure they are free of debris because this is another area where mosquitoes can breed.

Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082  |  Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

September 4, 2009

RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS CONTINUES AS MORE BIRDS AND MOSQUITO SAMPLES TEST POSITIVE

–Stay Protected this Labor Day Weekend

Elk Grove, Calif.—  Family barbecues, the State Fair and other fun outdoor activities will be popular with area residents this weekend to celebrate Labor Day, the last holiday of the summer. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the mosquito season and the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Control District wants to remind the public of the risk of West Nile virus. “In recent days we’ve seen mosquito samples and dead birds test positive for the virus throughout different areas in both of our counties,” said David Brown District Manager. “Everyone needs to be aware that transmission of the virus is a possibility. Taking protective measures such as wearing an effective insect repellent, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes that can transmit the virus are most active is necessary.”

“We’ve had a fairly mild season so far, however, we still have a few weeks before summer officially ends and all it takes is a few days of hot temperatures for the virus to amplify. We urge all residents to be proactive and protect themselves from mosquitoes especially this weekend when so many people will be out enjoying the long weekend,” said Brown.

Throughout the state, activity has been registered in 39 counties and there are 26 human cases being reported mainly in Central and Southern California.

2009 West Nile virus activity update:

Level 3–Sacramento County: 17 dead birds, 3 sentinel chicken, 26 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Level 3–Yolo County: 4 dead birds, 1 sentinel chicken, 10 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082  |  Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

August 14, 2009

MOSQUITO SAMPLES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE

–Virus Activity is Centered in South Sacramento County

Elk Grove, Calif.—  The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) received  confirmation of additional mosquito samples that are positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These raise the total number of positive mosquito samples to 12 from Sacramento County with the majority concentrating in the southern portion including Galt, Isleton and Elk Grove.  “Though this year the number of infected mosquito samples and birds is lower than previous years, residents still need to be aware that West Nile virus is a threat,” said David Brown, District Manager. “We’ve had mild temperatures so far, but we are in the middle of summer which means hot temperatures can still amplify the virus. We urge residents to take these warning signs seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” said Brown.

The District also asks for public cooperation in reporting dead birds, especially crows and magpies which are more susceptible to the disease. “Dead birds help track West Nile virus activity and are key in detecting where human cases may develop” said Brown. If you see a dead bird, please report it to the dead bird hotline by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD or by visiting www.westnile.ca.gov

As a result of finding the new positive samples, the District will conduct extensive mosquito trapping as well as ground fogging to reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes.

For current information about any treatments planned, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net and look under Spraying Updates. On this page, residents may also subscribe to email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code.

To date, there are eight human cases of West Nile virus confirmed throughout the state and activity has been detected in 35 counties.

2009 West Nile virus activity update:

Level 3–Sacramento County: 10 dead birds, 1 sentinel chicken, 12 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Level 3–Yolo County: 1 dead bird, 1 sentinel chicken, 4 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082  |  Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

August 4, 2009

FIGHT THE BITE DURING NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

–Use Mosquito Repellent to Prevent Mosquito Bites and West Nile Virus

Elk Grove, Calif.— Tonight is National Night Out and many will be engaging in fun outdoor activities around dusk, a time of  peak mosquito activity.  The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds the public to use an effective mosquito repellent to protect themselves. “We’re in the middle of mosquito season and it remains critical that people take proper precautions against mosquitoes and West Nile virus,” said David Brown, District Manager. “The threat to everyone is very real,” he added. Though National Night Out focuses on crime and drug prevention, mosquitoes will be focused on biting humans, so wearing an effective mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is very important. For the past weeks, the District has distributed thousands of free mosquito repellent packets to various neighborhood associations, community groups and law enforcement agencies so they can be distributed to participants during National Night Out.  Repellent is still available for any upcoming evening events, please contact the District if you are interested.

In recent weeks, infected birds, mosquito samples and sentinel chickens have been found in different areas of Sacramento and Yolo counties. Though no human cases have been registered in our area, a 59 year old man in neighboring San Joaquin County has contracted the virus. Public cooperation is needed to report dead birds, prevent mosquito breeding sites around the home and in reporting neglected swimming pools.

This National Night Out and during summer week’s ahead, 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

2009 West Nile virus activity update:

Level 3–Sacramento County: 8 dead birds, 1 sentinel chicken, 9 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Level 3–Yolo County: 1 dead bird, 1 sentinel chicken, 4 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer

Office: 916.405.2082  |  Cell: 916.416.6337

E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net

Fair Oaks Volunteers Pass Out Bottled Water, Repellent  |

Published:   July 21, 2009  |

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Mosquitoes can be pesky enough if you’re just spending an evening outside. For the homeless who spend summers outdoors nearly round-the-clock, the blood-sucking pests can be even more of a problem.

Hot summer days are prime mosquito season, and with them comes the risk of West Nile virus. The bugs are most active at dawn and dusk.

In the last five years, 240 people in Greater Sacramento have been infected with the West Nile virus; two people have died.

The Salvation Army on Tuesday directed youth volunteers from the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church to find homeless people and hand out bottled water and mosquito repellent packs.

“We are just actually wanting to reach out to the homeless at their point of need and give them some education and awareness,” Maj. Doug Riley said.

West Nile is on the rise locally, with reports of infected birds and mosquitoes. Tuesday’s mission was to give out repellent to the highly at-risk homeless.

“If you’re one of the unfortunate ones that gets the severe West Nile virus encephalitis, you can be paralyzed and have other health issues we want to prevent,” said Luz Maria Rodriguez, with Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector Control.

More Information: Fight The Bite

http://www.kcra.com/health/20135909/detail.html

Just about everyone has heard the commercial from The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. They tell you to “fight the bite”. The district is helping you with new tools.

The district has a new web site. The Elk Grove-based agency, which fights to control mosquito populations in Sacramento and Yolo counties, said the new Web site, among other things, allows residents to request various services online, report neglected swimming pools, request a presentation and subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code.

To check out the new site go to: www.fightthebite.net

http://www.fromthecapitol.com/sacramento-mosquito-control-district-has-a-new-website-893.html

By Cameron Macdonald – Citizen news editor  |

Local mosquito control officials announced a dead bird that tested positive for the West Nile Virus was recently discovered in Elk Grove. Four other birds also tested positive in southern Sacramento County, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reported.

“Finding these infected birds is a clear indication that the virus is present in our area,”  said the district’s general manager, David Brown. “This needs to be a wake up call to all residents to take West Nile virus seriously and protect themselves.”

The Elk Grove bird was found near Poppy Ridge Road by Highway 99, district spokesperson Luz Rodriguez said.

West Nile is potentially lethal to humans and is typically transmitted to them through mosquito bites.

Mild forms of the disease can cause flu-like symptoms while severe cases can lead to death. West Nile was first reported in the Elk Grove area nearly five years ago when the local mosquito control district combated the virus’s spread by spraying the city’s adult mosquitoes by airplane.

Mosquito control staff regularly study dead bird cases to see if West Nile was involved. One mosquito sample found in south Sacramento tested positive earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the district wants local residents to stop the spread of mosquitoes as well as protect themselves from bites.

Homeowners are urged to drain or remove all standing bodies of water in their yards where mosquito larvae can grow. Those going outdoors in the dawn or dusk are encouraged to wear long clothing and repellant since mosquitoes are most active during those times.

Readers who want to report a dead bird or squirrel can call 1-877-968-2473 or visit the California Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.westnile.ca.gov.

http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2009/07/15/news/doc4a5ccf05884c8672272503.txt

Enterprise staff  |

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Thursday that five new birds have tested positive for West Nile virus.

One bird was found near Madison in Yolo County and four birds are from southern Sacramento County, in the Galt, Elk Grove and Herald areas.

“Finding these infected birds is a clear indication that the virus is present in our area,” David Brown, district manager, said in a news release. “This needs to be a wake-up call to all residents to take West Nile virus seriously and protect themselves.”

Dead birds are used as a surveillance mechanism to track West Nile virus activity in the area.

As a response to the five new bird reports, district personnel will increase trapping and surveillance in the areas where the birds were found as well as their larval and adult mosquito control efforts.

“We urge residents to inspect their homes carefully and drain any sources of standing water that may be producing mosquitoes,” Brown said.

“It’s also of prime importance to wear a good repellent if you’re engaging in outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.”

To report a dead bird or squirrel, call (877) WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit the California Department of Public Health at http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

http://search.davisenterprise.com/display.php?id=51755

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has a new Web site: www.fightthebite.net.

The Elk Grove-based agency, which fights to control mosquito populations in Sacramento and Yolo counties, said the new Web site, among other things, allows residents to request various services online, report neglected swimming pools, request a presentation and subscribe to mailing lists to receive e-mail notifications for mosquito treatments by ZIP code.

http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/2020828.html

By Daily Democrat  |

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has received confirmation that five new birds tested positive for West Nile virus, including one near Madison.

According to district officials, four of the birds are from the Galt, Elk Grove and Herald areas of southern Sacramento County, and one bird was found near Madison in Yolo County.

The dead bird in Madison comes two weeks after a sentinel chicken near Woodland tested positive for the virus.

“Finding these infected birds is a clear indication that the virus is present in our area,” said David Brown, district manager. “This needs to be a wake up call to all residents to take West Nile virus seriously and protect themselves.”

Dead birds are used as a surveillance mechanism to track West Nile virus activity in our area. As a response to the five new bird reports, the District will increase trapping and surveillance in the areas where the birds were found as well as their larval and adult mosquito control efforts.

“We urge residents to inspect their homes carefully and drain any sources of standing water that may be producing mosquitoes. It’s also of prime importance to wear a good repellent if you’re engaging in outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” said Brown.

To report a dead bird or squirrel, call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit the California Department of Public Health at www.westnile.ca.gov.

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_12808389

By Ross Farrow
News-Sentinel Staff Writer  |

Four dead birds in the Galt-Herald-Elk Grove area have tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District.

“Finding these infected birds is a clear indication that the virus is present in our area,” district Manager David Brown said in a prepared statement released Thursday. “This needs to be a wake-up call to all residents to take West Nile virus seriously and protect themselves.”

Dead birds are used as a surveillance mechanism to track West Nile virus activity.

In response to the new bird reports, the district will increase trapping and surveillance in the areas where the birds were found as well as their larval and adult mosquito control efforts, according to district officials.

“We urge residents to inspect their homes carefully and drain any sources of standing water that may be producing mosquitoes,” Brown said. “It’s also of prime importance to wear a good repellent if you’re engaging in outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.”

One dead bird was also found near Madison in Yolo County.

To report a dead bird or squirrel in Sacramento County, call (877) WNV-BIRD ((877) 968-2473) or visit www.westnile.ca.gov..

In San Joaquin County, call 982-4675 or (800) 300-4675, or visit www.sjmosquito.org and www.sjcphs.org/emprep/WestNileVirus.htm.

http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/07/10/news/9_birds_090710.txt

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has received confirmation that five new birds tested positive for West Nile virus, including one near Madison.

According to district officials, four of the birds are from the Galt, Elk Grove and Herald areas of southern Sacramento County, and one bird was found near Madison in Yolo County.

The dead bird in Madison comes two weeks after a sentinel chicken near Woodland tested positive for the virus.

To report a dead bird or squirrel, call 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit the California Department of Public Health at www.westnile.ca.gov.

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_12798304

By Ted Cox  |

Sacramentans love to throw their yard waste in the streets–but soon it will cost you   |

Edison Hicks wants you to can it! PHOTO BY LARRY DALTON

Green Days is on the lookout for innovative sustainable projects throughout the Sacramento region. Turn us on at sactonewstips@newsreview.com.

Every spring and fall, piles of grass, leaves and tree trimmings clutter Sacramento streets. A handful of groups are trying to change that, to save the city money and clean up the roadways. They also argue that loose green waste presents a serious health-and-safety hazard.

That’s why the city wants to dramatically expand its voluntary “green waste” collection program during the next few months.

Sacramento integrated waste manager Edison Hicks is leading the effort. Currently, 60,000 homes participate in the green bin program, which allows residents to dump their clippings into special green-waste containers for pickup on their regular trash day. Hicks hopes to increase that number to more than 100,000 participants, and he is working with the city council to boost the number of green-waste bins in the city.

“The [Sacramento city] council members are in favor of moving forward because there’s a cost factor involved,” said Hicks. “I think that’s one of the key factors for them.”

Hicks said that green-waste containers are available throughout all city council districts, but many residents can’t get the cans simply because the city ran out of money to purchase them. The green-waste bins cost $49 each. Hicks said that the city will purchase more cans through a debt service that will take five to seven years to repay.

Hicks said that when given a choice, 95 percent of residents take the waste-container option.

Those who dump their grass and tree clippings in green-waste bins are charged $3 less on their city trash bill, compared to those who have their waste picked up by the “claw,” a front-end loader that scrapes clippings off the street. But using the claw to pick up green waste requires two people—as opposed to one for bin pickup—plus the cost of maintenance. Two-man claw teams can only make between 1,100 to 1,500 collection stops a day, while a single operator can collect 1,600-2,000 green-waste bins per day. Hicks estimates that switching to a container-only system would save the city more than $1 million per year.

But as more people switch from street dumping to canning their waste, the cost of running the claw will be shared by fewer people. That means that individuals who dump their green waste in the streets will soon pay more. Hicks believes that fee will spike sometime in the next year.

Hicks said that the next step is to increase the number of customers who participate in the voluntary green-waste bin program, though many may resist the idea.

“For a lot of people, three bucks isn’t a lot,” said Hicks. “And in Sacramento, it’s the God-given right to throw stuff in the street. Some people will do that because that’s what they’ve done their whole life.”

Well, perhaps not God-given, but the right to dump your green waste or “garden refuse” is enshrined in Sacramento’s city charter.

And voters have twice rejected plans to mandate containerization. In 1977, voters approved a ballot measure barring the city council from enforcing the use of green-waste containers. Then in 1988, voters defeated Measure F, which would have barred curbside green-waste dumping. Those earlier efforts would have made residents dump clippings into their regular trash bins.

But this isn’t just about cost or aesthetics; some Sacramento organizations say that green waste in the streets poses a health-and-safety hazard.

David Brown, manager of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, said that dumping green waste in the streets exacerbates mosquito-control problems. Clippings that end up in storm drains can create a mosquito breeding ground. Much of Sacramento uses a combined storm-water and sewage system. When green clippings mix with that system, mosquitoes find the perfect spot to lay their eggs.

“The increased vegetation in that type of aquatic habitat reduces the efficacy of mosquito-control agents that we use to try to control the mosquitoes in those catch basins or storm drains,” explained Brown.

Mosquitoes can spread a host of blood-borne illnesses, the most notable being West Nile virus. Brown said that his agency recently provided the city with $30,000 to buy about 600 green-waste cans.

Brown said that Mosquito and Vector Control and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates have teamed up to present the issue to the city council.

SABA executive director Walt Seifert has had a run-in, literally, with green waste. One night he was riding his bicycle down H Street, when a car turning left suddenly cut in front of him. Seifert swerved to avoid getting hit. But he ran into a pile of wet grass that had been left in the street.

“It was just like hitting a patch of ice, and I went down,” Seifert recalled. He wasn’t seriously hurt, but he was lucky. And he’s not the only cyclist who’s been hurt by the clippings blocking bike lanes.

While he doesn’t have hard numbers on how many cyclists have been injured by running into green-waste piles, he has plenty of horror stories.

“I’ve heard anecdotes about people crashing into the piles and getting hurt,” said Seifert. “I know one SABA member who was hurt pretty badly, resulting in lost work time. I’ve heard other stories about broken [bicycle] rims.

“I know that people do get hurt and that it discourages people from bicycling because they feel less safe,” explained Seifert. “When people encounter a green-waste pile, they have to veer out into traffic. That’s a problem.

“I’m convinced that it’s the most likely way for me to crash, especially at night when it’s hard for me to see.”

SABA has launched a Can the Trash! initiative, asking its members to report bicycle lanes blocked by green waste.

Seifert said that, along with Davis, Sacramento is one of the few jurisdictions left in California that permits dumping green waste in the street.

“I think there’s a history of people not wanting to switch to containers,” said Seifert. “People see it as a matter of convenience. They’re especially concerned about the fall season and not having enough capacity in the containers. But somehow, people elsewhere seem to survive.”

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1029603

By Jeff vonKaenel
jeffv@newsreview.com  |

My brief excursion into the realm of vector-borne diseases  |

I’ve never had malaria, and I don’t know anyone else who has had it. I’ve never had yellow fever, either, nor do I know anyone who has had that. To be honest, I haven’t ever given much thought to these diseases until recently, when I read a handbook designed for employees at the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California. Next, I read a book called Mosquito: A Natural History of Our Most Persistent and Deadly Foe.

Now, I’m astounded that we’ve actually maintained control over such diseases for all these years.

OK, a quick natural biology lesson: Mosquitoes have been around since the Jurassic period—which existed 206 million to 144 million years ago—so the ancestors of the mosquitoes biting you today actually feasted on dinosaurs. During those many millions of years, mosquitoes were constantly involved in an evolutionary race with predators that wanted to eat them. They won that race, since they always managed to survive and thrive.

The fact that mosquitoes morph and adjust to different circumstances makes it even more amazing that vector control groups have been able to control diseases spread by mosquitoes.

Since much of the Sacramento area’s natural state is swampland, and since more than 1 million people reside here, our region could be considered a prime place for a malaria epidemic, similar to what Africa has experienced. It’s only because of the tremendous efforts of mosquito and vector control associations that we have been able to effectively control these diseases.

But when you’re dealing with a pest that has been around for 200 million years, there’s always the next round. As the population of the country increases, and as trade between different countries enables easy mosquito hopping from place to place, there will be outbreaks here. That’s especially true because mosquitoes are able to evolve and are good at becoming resistant to diseases and pesticides. After all, a disease spread by a mosquito is up to seven times more infectious than a flu virus.

In certain countries, tremendous advances have been made in treating mosquitoes by spraying the synthetic pesticide DDT on a wall. After a mosquito bites its prey, it becomes so engorged with blood it can’t fly long distances, so it lands on a wall to wait until the blood is digested. If there was DDT on that wall, the mosquito would be killed … until some supermosquito was able to pump its wings a bit farther and land outside on a tree instead of a wall. Wham-o bang-o, we have malaria again!

I truly had my eyes opened by this excursion into the world of vector-borne diseases. Mostly, it was stunning to discover that the 71 people working at the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, in conjunction with other associations and water-treatment agencies, have been so successful at controlling outbreaks in our region. They are unsung heroes for this, as they’ve greatly increased our life expectancy—some would say as much as all the medical professions in the country combined. Thanks to you all for our malaria- (and yellow fever-) free lives!

http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1024421

Local mosquito control officials recently announced that their staff found a mosquito sample in south Sacramento that tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reported on June 22 that is the first local sample to test positive this year. The infection was found in the Elder Creek area.

West Nile is a potentially lethal disease that is transmitted to humans via mosquito bites. The Sacramento-Yolo district sprayed the Elk Grove area by airplane to combat the virus’s spread in years past.

“Finding the first sample of infected mosquitoes is significant because it is a clear indication that the virus is active and present in our area and that anyone can become infected,” said David Brown, the Sacramento-Yolo district’s manager, in a press statement.

He then called for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the weather gets warmer and mosquitoes become more prevalent.

Mosquito control staff plan to increase their monitoring of local mosquitoes and they could conduct ground spraying.

They advise residents to drain all standing bodies of water in their yards, wear long sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, avoid being outside at dawn and dusk, and to wear repellant.

For information about mosquito problems, contact the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FightTheBite.net.

http://www.egcitizen.com/articles/2009/06/26/news/doc4a441926020bf538897543.txt

By Niesha Lofing
nlofing@sacbee.com  |

As you toil away in your office cubicle, the afternoon sun taunting you from nearby windows, your mind is bound to wander to the host of summer adventures awaiting your family.

Should this weekend include a day trip to Folsom Lake or a leisurely afternoon by the backyard wading pool?

The Fourth of July is coming up – did we RSVP to that early-evening barbecue?

Whatever your family’s summer plans entail, be sure to build in an ounce of prevention to ensure your hot fun in the summer time won’t be interrupted by sunburn, dehydration, mosquitoes – or worse.

To help, here’s a list of tips from experts:

Sun safety 101

Parents are getting better about making sure their children are slathered in sunscreen and wearing Rash Guard surf shirts, but often forget to practice what they preach, said Dr. Ann Haas, a dermatologist with Sutter Medical Group in Sacramento.

“Fortunately, we don’t see a lot of children coming in for sunburn. It’s the parents that usually are sunburned,” she said. “Parents need to set the example.”

Parents and children should apply at least 1 ounce – enough to fill a shot glass – of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside, covering all exposed parts of the body. Reapply every two hours or after getting out of the water, Haas said.

“Parents … figure they put on the sunscreen and that’s adequate for a whole day by the river or at the park,” she said.

Aim for sunscreen with an “SPF” rating of 30, and try to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks UVA and UVB rays. Water- and sweat- resistant sunscreens are great, but make sure to reapply after about 45 minutes in the water, since that’s when they start to lose their effectiveness, Haas said.

If a child gets sunburned, she said, parents can use aloe or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, to lessen discomfort, but avoid using topical ointments that have lidocaine or benzocaine or topical anesthetics since they can often be too potent, she said.

Cool baths and moisturizer can help hydrate the skin, and putting the moisturizer in the refrigerator can provide cooling relief.

If the skin develops blisters, don’t break them.

“The blister is sort of like Mom Nature’s attempt at putting a Band-Aid on it,” she said. “If you rupture them, it can delay the (healing) process.”

If a child has a bad burn, or if the burn is accompanied by headache, chills or fever, call a pediatrician immediately.

Mosquito madness

With the first positive sample of West Nile virus in Sacramento County confirmed last week, officials at the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District urge parents to take precautions against the pesky pest.

Everyone should wear DEET-based mosquito repellent outside in the summer, although parents should look for repellent that contains no more than 7 percent DEET, said Luz Maria Rodriguez, the district’s spokeswoman.

“A little bit of repellent goes a long way to keep kids protected from bites and mosquitoes,” she said.

Parents also should think outside the box when looking for standing water, where mosquitoes breed.

“Kids’ toys sometimes get left outside and can fill up with water,” Rodriguez said.

Check the backs of little riding cars, playhouses and wagons.

Another common mosquito- breeding ground is tire swings.

“The water gets in the tire, and with the hot sun and the rubber heating up, it becomes the perfect place for mosquitoes,” she said.

Families also are advised to empty wading pools every few days to eliminate stagnant water.

For other mosquito-prevention tips, go to fightthebite.net.

Heat can sap tiny bodies quickly

Despite having great internal thermostats that regulate their body temperatures, children are very susceptible to dehydration, said Dr. Anatoly Belilovsky, a New York pediatrician and child-safety expert.

The smaller the person is, the easier it is for him or her to sweat away water, he said.

One sign of dehydration – lack of urinating – is easy to spot and fix.

http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/1987502.html

The Bee just reported that officials have found the West Nile virus in a Yolo County chicken. The bird is part of a test flock used to monitor the spread of the disease. The find is significant because it suggests mosquitoes in that area are carrying the virus and could transmit it to humans.

The California Public Health Department, UC Davis and other agencies maintain WestNile.ca.gov, a robust web site loaded with information — data, news, reports, FAQs, links and other resources — on a disease which has killed 91 people since 2003. A West Nile summary (updated on a weekly) includes county-level statistics on mosquito pools, horses, dead birds, squirrels, monitor chickens, as well as human cases. You can also report a dead bird or squirrel on this site.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/i-tool_tips/2009/06/web-site-reports-west-nile-spr.html

By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com

A chicken in a flock between Davis and Woodland has tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials said today.

The chicken is part of a flock of 10 birds that the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control maintains in that location to monitor the presence of the virus and reduce transmission to people.

Blood samples of each chicken are tested each week at six flocks in the district. When an infected mosquito bites a chicken, the bird does not become ill.

Instead, it develops antibodies toward the virus. Finding the virus in a chicken is significant because the flocks don’t interact with wild, uncaged birds.

“This means transmission of West NIle is occurring specifically in that area,” said David Brown, district manager.

The district also has seen a high number of mosquitoes in Yolo County. Brown suggested residents protect themselves with mosquito repellent at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

As a result of the positive test, the district will continue trapping mosquitoes in the area and apply ground spraying to reduce the mosquito population.

http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/1976953.html