West Nile virus found in Yolo County mosquito sample for 1st time in 2020; activity rising
For the first time this season, officials at the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District reported Wednesday that they have found West Nile in a mosquito sample in Yolo County. It was in Zamora.
“With the warmer temperatures we’ve seen recently, West Nile virus activity is steadily rising,” said Gary Goodman, the district manager. “To date, the amount of West Nile virus activity has been lower than other seasons, however ... this can quickly change. Therefore, it’s extremely important that residents continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.”
In Sacramento County, the district has reported finding West Nile virus in 18 dead birds and 12 mosquito samples over a large swath of territory between Interstate 80 and Highway 50 from Sacramento to Folsom as well as in Elk Grove and south Sacramento.
If you believe your property or one near your home has a mosquito infestation, you can call the vector control district at (800) 429-1022 to get assistance with abatement. They have mosquito fish and other measures they can use to help.
Here are tips that Goodman provides to protect yourself from being bitten:
- Drain any standing water where mosquitoes could breed.
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves and pants to limit exposed skin.
- Use an insect repellent. Make sure to read and follow the directions on the product.
- Make sure screens and doors in your home are well-maintained to limit entry avenues for these pests.
The West Nile virus causes inflammation that can damage the brain and central nervous system, and no cure exists. At its worst, West Nile virus can cause overwhelming fatigue, terrible muscle aches and headaches, but many people may have it but feel no symptoms.
If you do experience problems, doctors say you should seek medical attention. They will perform a lumbar puncture and take spinal fluid to determine whether you have the illness.
People who have recovered from a severe West Nile infection have reported ongoing problems with fatigue and neurological damage. So, as with stroke, it’s best to start rehabilitation as early as possible.
The California Department of Public Health has reported that two people have been diagnosed with West Nile virus this year, the most recent case in Los Angeles County and the state’s first case in Stanislaus County.
Virus activity has been found in 34 counties, including Amador, Fresno Merced, San Joaquin and Sutter.
Call 877-968-2473 to report dead birds, or file a report online at fightthebite.net or westnile.ca.gov.
