West Nile virus activity high in two Sacramento neighborhoods. Where are the mosquitoes?

Going to Discovery Park on July Fourth? In addition to sunscreen, grab mosquito repellent before you head out the door because mosquito samples in South Natomas were confirmed Monday as positive for West Nile virus.

Areas of south Sacramento also are showing quite a bit of West Nile virus activity in its mosquito samples, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“The extreme heat we’ve seen in the last few days has definitely increased mosquito populations and we’re starting to see widespread activity,” said Gary Goodman, the district manager. “We are closely monitoring these areas as they are becoming hot spots for the virus.”

So far this year, the state reported 22 dead birds in Sacramento County tested positive for West Nile Virus: 16 in Sacramento; three in Antelope; and one each in Citrus Heights, Elverta and Fair Oaks. Roseville had three dead birds test positive for the disease and Davis one, state records showed.

Goodman said he hoped families would take precautions as they celebrate Independence Day around their neighborhoods.

“Many will be participating in family BBQs and watching fireworks around dusk, a time when mosquitoes are looking to bite,” he said. “We urge everyone to wear an effective repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus.”

Many people can recover from West Nile virus at home, but about 20% of those bitten develop symptoms of West Nile fever. One out of every 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito gets the most severe form of the disease, West Nile encephalitis.

There have been more than 300 deaths from the disease since 2003. Symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of high fever (usually higher than 102°F, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, joint pain, aches and weakness in prominent muscles, prolonged fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Those with West Nile fever may also get a rash.

The California Department of Public Health issued a warning to state residents last week, noting that record rainfall over the winter months has led to increases in mosquito populations, raising the risk that people will get one of the diseases transmitted by these insects. The hot weather also speeds up hatching of mosquitoes.

CDPH recommended using an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older, according to public health officials.