LAKEPORT >> A domestic turkey in north Lakeport tested positive for West Nile virus. The bird was picked up on June 28
“This is the time of year when we expect to see West Nile virus activity,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “WNV is being transmitting by mosquitoes now, and is a timely reminder to avoid mosquito bites.”
No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2016. Statewide, 23 California counties have detected the virus this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds.
No human cases have been reported in California to date.
This weekend, many people will be outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are biting. Scott recommends that people use an insect repellent that contains Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD on exposed skin, and consider wearing long sleeved shirts and pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:
• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes grow in standing water.
• Defend yourself with mosquito repellents containing Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, typically dawn and dusk.
• Maintain neglected swimming pools. Just one can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
• Report dead birds to the toll-free state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php.
The mosquitoes that transmit West Nile develop in out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, and other sources of standing water. The District offers free mosquito-eating fish to control mosquitoes in these sources. Residents are encouraged to contact the District to report neglected pools, request service for mosquito problems, or to get mosquito fish at 263-4770 or to fill out a service request online at www.lcvcd.org.
The Lake County Vector Control District traps and tests mosquitoes throughout the county to identify the areas that have the highest risk, and targets those areas for source reduction and treatment using an integrated vector management program.
Residents with questions, or who would like help with a mosquito problem should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 263-4770 (Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) or visit their website at www.lcvcd.org.
