West Nile virus detected in Sacramento mosquitoes for the first time this year
Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Sacramento County for the first time this year, officials said Monday.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reported Monday that a sample of mosquitoes trapped in South Land Park, as well as two dead birds — in Land Park and the neighborhood near UC Davis Medical Center — were found to be carrying West Nile Virus.
The mosquito sample was trapped close to where a dead bird that tested positive for West Nile last week was found.
“As we expected, the very warm weather we’ve had recently increased the number of mosquitoes and accelerated virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, the agency’s district manager, in the release. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves.”
The agency said it will be increasing mosquito trapping and monitoring in the area in response to the positive test, as well as beginning to conduct ground spraying to lower the local population of the insect.
Last year in Sacramento County, two people died and 54 contracted West Nile, The Sacramento Bee reported. According to public health officials, no human cases have been detected this year so far.
Throughout the state, there have been 52 West Nile-positive mosquito samples as of Friday, well above the 15 samples this time last year, according to the California Department of Public Health. Forty-five of the samples were detected in Riverside County.
There have been 19 dead birds that have tested positive for West Nile this year as of Friday, up from 16 birds this time last year, according to California health officials.
The Sacramento-Yolo control district recommends using an insect repellent when doing outdoor activities to help prevent West Nile spread, and CDPH encourages residents to report dead birds by calling the department’s hot line at 877-968-2473 (877-WNV-BIRD).
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