April 17, 2026
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. Spring is in the air and so are mosquitoes! The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announces California Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week, April 19-25. 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. With the recent rain followed by warmer weather, we’re seeing the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive, so it’s important for residents to take action now,” added Goodman. The District urges residents to do their part in preventing mosquitoes around their home. “As you spend more time outdoors, it’s important to make sure your yard isn’t providing a place for mosquitoes to grow,” indicated Goodman. “Take a few minutes each week to dump and drain water from items like flowerpots, bird baths, pet dishes, tires, and other small containers. Reducing mosquitoes now will help prevent larger problems later in the season.”
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 113 confirmed human cases including 11 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. Last year in California there were 6 cases of locally acquired dengue infections.
WHO: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District
WHAT: Activities for Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week
WHEN:
Monday, April 20: Official kick off of the District’s public information and education campaign
Tuesday, April 21: Annual Repellent Distribution to organizations that serve the homeless
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day Science Fair at Zamora Elementary and Earth Day Celebration at the California Natural Resources Agency
Friday, April 24: Spring Carnival at Westmore Oaks Elementary
Saturday April 25: Educational booth at Winters Youth Day and Duck Days
To report standing water, request a free home inspection, or receive mosquitofish for ponds or fountains, residents can call 1-800-429-1022 or submit a request online at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District provides year round mosquito and vector control services. The main goal for the District is to protect public health by preventing the transmission of diseases and improving the quality of life for all residents.
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
