FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2023

Contact:  Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
Office:  916-405-2082 |  Cell:  916-416-6337
E-mail:  lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
 

ONGOING WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY CAUSES CONCERNS  
–Aerial spraying is being evaluated for Tahoe Park and Elder Creek area in south Sacramento
 
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed today that West Nile virus activity continues to increase throughout areas of Tahoe Park and Elder Creek Rd in south Sacramento as more mosquito samples collected from these sites tested positive today.  “Populations of mosquitoes are high and virus continues to be very intense,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “We’re very concerned and at this time we are evaluating the need for aerial spraying to quickly reduce the abundance of adult infected mosquitoes that can pose a threat to the health of our residents,” he added. For the last few weeks, the District has been closely monitoring these areas of concern because the numbers of infected birds and positive mosquito samples have been steadily increasing. Areas in Yolo County that are also being closely monitored due to the rise in WNV activity include Davis, Woodland and surrounding rural communities of Esparto and Madison. To see a map of the most recent activity:  https://www.fightthebite.net/media/wnv-activity-map
 
In an effort to keep the virus from escalating, the District has intensified ground mosquito control efforts conducting treatments in urban and agricultural areas where mosquitoes have been found to be breeding. This aggressive ground control strategy will continue as the District collects more data and evaluates the situation to be able to make a decision regarding any necessary aerial applications in the upcoming weeks.
 
In the meantime, the District asks for public cooperation from residents. “Draining all sources of stagnant water around the home and personal protection from mosquito bites by always wearing a good mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors continue to be very important,” indicated Goodman.   
 
For current information about any treatments planned and to subscribe to receive email notifications by zip code visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net  and go to Spray Notifications.
 
**2023 West Nile virus activity update:
 
Sacramento County:   83 mosquito samples and 46 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
 
Yolo County:  47 mosquito samples and 2 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date
 
**Numbers change based on real time lab surveillance data received. For the most recent information visit https://www.fightthebite.net/media/west-nile-virus-activity
 



 
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