West Nile virus is ramping up. These are the Sacramento areas where activity is increasing
West Nile virus activity is ramping up in local mosquito populations: The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced Thursday that 14 mosquito samples and one dead bird have tested positive for the disease.
“The mosquito and West Nile virus season is definitely underway, and it is important for residents to be mindful and prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their backyard,” said Gary Goodman, the district manager. “Everyone should take the necessary precautions to avoid being bitten.”
Goodman said that, so far, the West Nile activity is concentrated in urban areas. The district is closely watching an area of south Sacramento near Elder Creek and Florin roads, just west of Power Inn Road.
The California Department of Public Health issued a warning to state residents Thursday, 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 notices come as the Central Valley heads into a heat spell, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Mosquito eggs hatch faster in warm temperatures, Goodman noted, and the larvae can develop in all types of containers — flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and even old bottle caps — where there is standing water.
“We continue to ask for everyone’s cooperation in draining all backyard mosquito sources and wearing an effective mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors,” he added.
CDPH advised 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.
Mosquitoes typically are more active in the early morning and evening, officials said, so it’s especially helpful to wear protective clothing and repellent if you’re outside during these times. If you encounter large numbers of mosquitoes or day-biting mosquitoes, contact the vector control district for help with tracking the source and abating the threat.
You can fill out a service request at fightthebite.net or call 800-429-1022 to get help. To report a dead bird, fill out an online form at westnile.ca.gov or call 877-968-2473.
CDPH recommends that residents check doors and windows to ensure they have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes, the agency said.
In addition to West Nile virus, various species of mosquitoes can transmit other illnesses such as Zika virus, dengue, malaria, St. Louis encephalitis virus and yellow fever.
