The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reports that West Nile virus activity is intensifying throughout Sacramento and advises residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The district recently conducted aerial spraying over areas of south Sacramento County. Results show that the abundance of mosquitoes decreased significantly in the treated area compared to untreated areas, officials said.
But, they said, the local bird population continues to have a high infection rate as evidenced by the continued reporting of dead birds by the public.
So far this year, 125 dead birds and 116 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus in Sacramento County.
In Yolo County, four dead birds and three mosquito samples have tested positive.
A total of 16 counties in California have registered West Nile virus activity this year, compared with 10 at this time last year, according a news release.
In addition, the first human case of the virus in the state in 2012 was announced last week. A woman from Kern County was hospitalized after contracting the disease.
Officials said the Sacramento-Yolo district will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing, and conduct ground treatments if necessary.
Residents are advised to wear a good mosquito repellent and make sure they are not breeding mosquitoes on their property.
Residents can subscribe to receive email notifications of mosquito treatments by ZIP code. To sign up, go to www.FIGHTtheBITE.net and click on "Sign up for Spray Notifications."
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