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Six Mosquito Samples Positive For West Nile
mosquito

The East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts (MADs) confirmed the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in six mosquito samples from Stanislaus County. This is the first detection of WNV for both Districts in 2017. As of June 22, WNV has been detected in 14 California counties with the WNV activity confirmed in two humans, 25 dead birds, and 157 mosquito samples. There have been no WNV human cases or dead birds from Stanislaus County.

These WNV infected mosquitoes serve as a reminder that the districts and residents need to remain diligent in preventing mosquito breeding and disease transmission. In 2017 there have been additional challenges with early widespread flooding, high temperatures and now snow melting, which all promote mosquito breeding. Mosquito abatement officials are closely watching rising river levels due to the increased snow melt.

Turlock MAD General Manager David Heft stated, “Increased temperatures will hasten the development of West Nile Virus in the Central Valley. That coupled with river flooding due to snow melt could have a major impact on mosquito-borne disease transmission. We urge residents to use repellent when outside in the dawn and dusk hours.”

The districts will continue with their surveillance programs identifying mosquito breeding sources and mosquito borne disease activity. They will treat according to their surveillance results. The districts anticipate more WNV and mosquitoes in the coming months and would like to remind residents they can help by taking the following precautions:

• Dump or drain standing water. These are places mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.

• Defend yourself against mosquitoes by using repellants containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn. These are the times when WNV carrying mosquitoes are generally most active.

• Report neglected swimming pools to your local mosquito abatement district.

• Use tight fitting door and window screens to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.

• Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.

For additional information or to request service, residents should contact their local District. Stanislaus County residents north of the Tuolumne River contact: Eastside Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 522-4098 (www.eastsidemosquito.com); residents south of the Tuolumne River contact: Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 634-1234 (www.turlockmosquito.org).