August 28, 2019
WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY INCREASES AS MORE MOSQUITO SAMPLES
TEST POSITIVE
–City of Davis is an area of concern
Elk Grove, Ca — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that West Nile virus activity is increasing throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties as 24 mosquito samples and 4 dead birds tested positive. Many of the positive mosquito samples were collected from parks and neighborhoods within the city of Davis. “For the last couple of weeks, mosquitoes collected from our traps throughout Davis have tested positive and lab results obtained today show that activity is certainly intensifying,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “We will continue to monitor the area closely as this is now an area of concern,” added Goodman. There is widespread WNV activity in in other areas of Yolo County including Knights Landing and Zamora. The recent heat wave with multiple days of triple digit temperatures likely played a key role in amplifying the virus. “Heat accelerates the life cycle of a mosquito and populations can increase very rapidly,” added Goodman. West Nile virus activity has also been escalating throughout Elk Grove and the District is also monitoring the city very closely. “We will continue with our surveillance efforts and additional results will be available next week to determine the best plan of action,” added Goodman. For a map of the most recent activity see https://www.fightthebite.net/west-nile-virus-activity
Throughout the state, WNV activity has also been on the rise and to date it has been detected in 26 counties. There are also 45 confirmed human cases including 2 fatalities from Fresno and Imperial counties.
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 ground treatments around parks, neighborhoods and other open areas where positive mosquitoes have been found. The goal of these treatments is to quickly decrease mosquito populations that can pose a threat to residents and protect public health.
For current information about West Nile virus and any treatments planned, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up go to Spray Notifications on the website.
2019 West Nile virus activity update:
Sacramento County: 48 mosquito samples and 26 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Yolo County: 66 mosquito samples have 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
