Region’s first mosquito sample of year finds West Nile virus activity in Elk Grove
The year’s first mosquito sample revealed that insects carrying the West Nile virus already have arrived in the Elk Grove area.
“The very warm weather we’ve had recently increased the number of mosquitoes and accelerated virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, the manager of the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves.”
This news comes even as the Sacramento region is seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.
Like the new coronavirus, the West Nile virus can cause high fever, headaches and muscle weakness.
But other symptoms can help differentiate the two illnesses. The mosquito-born West Nile can cause neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and muscle weakness. It is rarely spread person to person, but the new coronavirus is contagious.
Individuals who have COVID-19 may experience a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Goodman’s team said that one mosquito sample and one dead bird have tested positive near Bond Road and Highway 99. Statewide, 10 of 58 counties have reported positive samples so far this year, and others include San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Fresno counties. In the comparable period a year earlier, only four counties had reported signs of the illness in birds and mosquitoes.
As a response to the finding, district officials said they would increase mosquito trapping and monitoring to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. They may also do some targeted ground spraying to rapidly reduce the numbers of adult mosquitoes.
To reduce the mosquito infestation and lower the odds of infection, the district recommends:
▪ Draining standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
▪ Avoiding outdoor activities at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are more active.
▪ Wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
▪ Using an effective insect repellent, and follow directions on the label.
▪ Keeping door and window screens in good working condition. Mosquitoes can enter your home through small holes.
▪ Reporting dead birds at (877) 968-2463 or westnile.ca.gov, as they may be an indication of elevated West Nile activity.
The California Department of Public Health reported 225 cases of West Nile virus in humans last year, 176 of which caused neurological damage and six of which led to death.
Call district personnel at (800) 429-1022 to learn about mosquito fish and other ways they can help to reduce potential breeding grounds on your property.
In warm temperatures, mosquitoes complete their life cycle faster, experts say, so the insects can reach adulthood in as little as four to seven days after eggs are laid.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 1:37 PM.
