Day-biting mosquito that can carry Zika, other viruses found for first time in Yolo County
Authorities on Tuesday announced the first ever detection in Yolo County of an invasive mosquito that prefers to bite people during the day and has the potential to transmit serious diseases, including Zika.
The adult female Aedes aegypti mosquito, more commonly known as a yellow fever mosquito, was found in a trap near East and Main streets in Winters, according to a news release from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. Officials planned to set up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods to help assess the spread of the infestation.
“Finding this mosquito for the first time likely means it could possibly be established anywhere,” District Manager Gary Goodman said in the news release. “We will continue to work diligently to look for and identify locations where these mosquitoes can be breeding.”
The district also planned to send field technicians to conduct door-to-door inspections looking for potential mosquito breeding sites, conduct appropriate treatments as necessary and talk to residents about preventive measures around their home.
The mosquito found in Yolo County also was first time this season that invasive mosquitoes were found within district’s boundaries, officials said. In August 2019, invasive mosquitoes were found for the first time in Citrus Heights and Antelope. But invasive mosquitoes have not been found anywhere in Sacramento County this season, district officials said.
Last month, the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District reported the discovery of Aedes aegypti in traps in Yuba City.
These mosquitoes are now permanently established throughout the state and were recently found for the first time in Shasta counties, too, according to the Sacramento-Yolo district. In San Joaquin County, authorities detected the species last year and found them again in July.
Mosquitos of all breeds lay eggs above water in small containers such as flower pots, pet dishes, bird baths, tin cans, tires and other containers as small as a bottle cap commonly found in backyards, district officials said.
Goodman asked residents to call the district for a free inspection if they are bitten during the day or notice more mosquitoes in their yard. He also urged all residents to inspect their yards daily and drain all sources of stagnant water.
While aegypti can transmit a number of serious diseases, such as Zika dengue and chikungunya, no known cases of illnesses associated with the pest have been linked to a mosquito bite in California.
The district planned to set up additional traps in surrounding neighborhoods that will help assess the spread of the infestation.
Residents with mosquito bites during the day should call 800-429-1022 or request service at fightthebite.net.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 4:40 PM.
