First Signs of West Nile Virus Activity in Yolo County

FIRST SIGNS OF WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IN YOLO COUNTY
Activity continues in areas of north Sacramento County
 
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that the first signs of West Nile virus activity have been detected in Yolo County as 1 mosquito sample near Zamora tested positive for the disease. At the same time, West Nile virus activity continues to gradually increase throughout north Sacramento County as more mosquito samples and dead birds tested positive this week from areas near Carmichael, Fair Oaks and Arden-Arcade. “With the warmer temperatures we’ve seen recently West Nile virus activity is steadily rising,” said Gary Goodman District Manager. “To date, the amount of West Nile virus activity has been lower than other seasons, however we are in the middle of summer and this can quickly change, therefore, it’s extremely important that residents continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” added Goodman.
 
In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor all West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing as well as perform ground treatments in areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health. 
 
Another ongoing concern is that last year the invasive mosquito Aedes aegypti was detected in Citrus Heights within Sacramento County. Invasive mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya. To date, invasive mosquitoes have not been discovered within our District area; however neighboring San Joaquin County recently announced that invasive mosquitoes have been found this week in Stockton after their initial detection in 2019.
 
To see a complete map of the WNV findings and for current information about District activities, please visit https://www.fightthebite.net/media/west-nile-virus-activity/                   

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 at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net.
 
 
2020 West Nile virus activity update:
 
Sacramento County: 12 mosquito samples and 18 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
 
Yolo County:  1 mosquito sample has 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