First Signs of West Nile Virus Detected in Yolo County

FIRST SIGNS OF WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN YOLO COUNTY 

Dead bird tests positive for the disease 

 

Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that the first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) activity have been detected in Yolo County as the first dead bird, a Brewer’s Blackbird, collected near Klenhard park in east Woodland, has tested positive. At the same time, West Nile virus activity continues to gradually increase in Sacramento County as more dead birds tested positive earlier this week. “As temperatures continue to rise, we expect West Nile virus activity to increase throughout the region,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “This season we are seeing virus activity earlier than we have in recent years. This is concerning as we head into summer and approach the hottest months when mosquito populations and disease activity typically peak. We urge residents to take proper precautions now to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding around their homes,” added Goodman.

 

The public is encouraged to report dead birds by calling the California Department of Public Health hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473). Certain species, including crows, jays, and magpies, are highly susceptible to West Nile virus and can provide an early indication of virus activity. Although not all reported birds will be collected and tested, every report contributes valuable information that helps direct mosquito surveillance and control efforts to protect public health.

 

In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing and will perform ground treatments in areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health.  

 

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. 

 

 

Sacramento County:  5 dead birds and 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus to date. 

 

Yolo County:  1 dead bird has tested positive for West Nile virus