LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Vector Control District confirmed that two chickens and seven mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus this week. The chickens are from Upper Lake, and the mosquitoes were collected in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Kelseyville, Lakeport, and Upper Lake.
So far in 2016, West Nile virus has been detected in 29 mosquito samples, 3 dead birds, and two sentinel chickens in Lake County.
Lake County Public Health is currently evaluating the first report of a suspected human case of WNV infection. If laboratory tests eventually confirm this case, it is likely that the infection would have been contracted in the last week of July.
“We’re at the peak of West Nile virus activity now. In most years West Nile virus activity remains high in September throughout California, including Lake County,” explained Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus come from backyard water sources like wading pools, ponds, buckets, swimming pools and spas that aren’t being maintained, and any other place where water sits for more than 3 days.”
Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:
Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can’t begin their lives without water.
Defend yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
Maintain swimming pools and spas. Just one unmaintained 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 by visiting the California Department of Public Health’s website (http://www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php). All reports are crucial to our West Nile virus surveillance program.
Lake County Health Officer, Dr. Karen Tait notes “Avoidance of mosquito bites is the only way to prevent West Nile Virus infection and this is the time of year when it is especially important to take protective measures.”
Since 2004, eight Lake County residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. For a current list of West Nile virus activity in Lake County this year, visit the District’s website (www.LCVCD.org) and for statewide information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s West Nile Virus website at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.
