(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — Sacramento County health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after recent detections of West Nile virus activity in portions of the county.
OpGov.news reports during Tuesday’s presentation to the Board of Supervisors, representatives from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reported early-season virus activity in the East Sacramento and Tahoe Park areas.
"We've collected about five positive birds from that particular area and one mosquito sample so far this year," district officials told supervisors.
(Image: Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District web page.)
Officials explained that West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
According to the district, California recorded more than 100 human cases of West Nile virus last year, though officials believe many additional cases likely went unreported.
District officials stressed that community participation remains one of the most effective prevention tools.
"We really just need the public's help in being able to identify, are you being bothered by mosquitoes, do you see them, do you know a neighbor who has a bad pool that's gone bad?" officials said. "We go out there and try and take care of it and make sure the mosquito breeding is reduced."
The district also warned about invasive mosquito species capable of spreading diseases such as Zika and chikungunya.
"The concern is we don't want them to become established in our area," officials said.
Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes, maintain swimming pools, repair damaged screens, and report mosquito problems to the district.
Officials said mosquito surveillance and treatment efforts will continue throughout the summer as temperatures rise. For more information visit the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District website. Track West Nile Virus activity in Sacramento on the web at https://www.fightthebite.net/media/wnv-activity-map/.
Story image: Culex mosquito, the primary vector of West Nile virus in Sacramento County, California. Credit: Sacramento–Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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