West Nile Virus Activity Continues in Sacramento

WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY CONTINUES TO BE WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT SACRAMENTO AND YOLO COUNTIES

--District suspends dead bird collection program

Elk Grove, Calif.— West Nile virus activity continues to be widespread and the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reported 25 mosquito samples and 18 dead birds have tested positive for disease so far this week. “While we’re near the end of summer, we’re still seeing West Nile virus activity” said David Brown, District Manager. “Mosquito season is not over yet and we can’t let our guard down” added Brown. In addition, there are also 6 confirmed human cases of the disease reported in Sacramento County including one confirmed death. In Yolo County, there are 3 confirmed human cases being reported. “Traditionally we see the number of human cases increase in September, so we urge you to always protect yourself with an effective mosquito repellent, it’s a quick and easy precaution that could save your life” added Brown.

This season, reports of dead birds from the public have been a very valuable tool in the District’s surveillance program, however due to the widespread activity and the limited resources, staff will no longer be able to pick up dead birds. “We encourage the public to still call the dead bird hotline and make those reports. They will be tracked by the California Department of Public Health and the information helps us target our mosquito control efforts” indicated Brown. Picking up dead birds will resume again in the spring of 2013 when the new season begins. To report dead birds, residents may call dead bird hotline at 1-877-968-2473.

Throughout California, West Nile virus activity has also increased and to date there are 92 human cases compared to only 48 at this time last year. Nationwide, WNV activity has also intensified and there are 2636 human cases and 118 deaths being reported.

The District will continue trapping and testing mosquitoes as well as conducting ground treatments to reduce mosquito populations as necessary. For current information about any treatments planned within Sacramento or Yolo Counties please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. 

 

2012 West Nile virus activity update:

Sacramento County:  6 human cases, 461 dead birds, 447 mosquito samples, 24 sentinel animals, 2 horses have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

Yolo County: 3 human cases,  90 dead birds, 142 mosquito samples, 1 horse, 3 sentinel animals have tested positive for West Nile virus to date

 

FIGHT the BITE!
Practice the 7 D's of Mosquito Prevention:

DRAINall standing water

AvoidDAWN and DUSKwhen mosquitoes are most active

DRESS appropriately in long sleeves and pants

DEFENDyourself against mosquitoes with an effective repellent

DOORSand windows should be in good condition

DISTRICTstaff can help, call us at 1-800-429-1022

 

If you need more information or have questions.

Luz Maria Rodriguez

Public Information Officer
Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District
8631 Bond Rd.
Elk Grove, Ca 95624
lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net  
916) 405-2082--phone
916) 685-5464--fax