The Eastside Mosquito Abatement District detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected on June 2 from the Northeast part of the City of Modesto.
Mosquito season is in full swing and, with the presence of West Nile virus, requires that everyone be aware and be vigilant from being bitten. Eastside Mosquito Abatement District and Turlock Mosquito Abatement District (the MADs) are working diligently within their jurisdictions to keep mosquito populations low and potential for WNV transmission minimal.
As of June 10, WNV had been detected in five California counties: San Joaquin, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Kern and Los Angeles, and confirmed in six dead birds, four mosquito samples, but with no human cases. Stanislaus County has only one mosquito sample positive for WNV.
“Although the mosquito populations remain light to moderate in most areas, the concern is finding WNV-infected mosquito samples this early in the season points to an active season ahead of us. The early detection of WNV in mosquitoes and coming warm overnight temperatures in our County creates a perfect storm for potential human infection,” announced both District Managers, David Heft and Wakoli Wekesa. “We caution residents to consider any mosquito bite as a potential source of WNV-infection and urge residents to take extra precautions at this time of year to avoid mosquito bites.”
The Districts will continue with their surveillance programs to identify mosquito breeding sources and mosquito borne disease activity. The Districts anticipate more WNV activity in the coming months and will continue communicating as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, residents are reminded that they can help by taking the following precautions:
Dump or drain standing water. These are places mosquitoes like to lay their eggs;
Protect 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); South of the Tuolumne River contact: Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 634-1234 (www.turlockmosquito.org).
