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