LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Vector Control District confirmed that four mosquito samples and a dead bird tested positive for West Nile virus this week in Lake County.
The positive mosquitoes were collected from Kelseyville, Upper Lake, and Anderson Marsh. The dead bird, a great blue heron, was collected from Upper Lake. Two weeks ago, a domestic turkey from north Lakeport tested positive for West Nile virus.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Lake County — or the rest of California — this year.
As of the most recent update on July 13 by the California Department of Public Health, West Nile had reached 28 counties. Last week the first indication of the virus was detected in Yuba County. And the first positive mosquito was recorded in Butte County, the northernmost reach of the virus to date.
“We’re about where we expect to be,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director for the Lake County Vector Control District, explaining that West Nile activity is generally evident beginning in late June or mid-July.
The most intense spread of the virus through mosquitoes and birds is in Sacramento County. Authorities there found evidence of West Nile in 233 dead birds and 170 mosquito samples.
“West Nile virus is established throughout California,” Scott said. “We all need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit.”
Scott pointed out that the steps to slow the spread of West Nile are relatively simple.
“Take a walk around your yard today and dump out containers of water like buckets, wading pools, fountains, and toys,” she explained.
Although many coves hold relatively still water, Scott said Vector Control does not often record much mosquito production from the lake, except in heavily weeded areas. Water movement, the depth of the lake and the presence of predator fish help keep mosquito numbers low.
Still, there were two human cases of West Nile reported in Lake County last year. And with indications of West Nile on the rise, “there’s the potential for mosquitos to transmit it to people.”
Scott said residents can help protect themselves and their community by reporting dead birds to help the district identify where West Nile virus activity is taking place. All dead bird reports from the public are critical in helping the District direct mosquito operations, she said.
Members of the public can report dead birds to the state’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD) or by visiting the California Department of Public Health’s website.
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. Need help finding a repellent to meet your needs? The Environmental Protection Agency has a search tool to help you choose the repellent that is right for you at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you#search tool.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, typically dawn and dusk.
• Maintain swimming pools. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
• Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php. All reports are crucial.
Residents with questions about West Nile virus or who would like help with a mosquito problem can contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 (Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) or visit their website at www.lcvcd.org.
