LAKEPORT
West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes and Sentinel chickens
West Nile virus was detected in two more mosquito samples and also in sentinel chickens in Lake County.
The sentinel chickens were in a flock near Upper Lake. The mosquitoes, all Culex tarsalis (western encephalitis mosquito), were collected in traps set in Lower Lake and Upper Lake. Earlier this summer positive mosquitoes were collected near Kelseyville and Upper Lake.
“When we see West Nile virus in sentinel chickens, that tells us that the conditions are right for human infections of West Nile virus,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “The best protection from West Nile virus is prevention. It’s important to avoid mosquito bites.”
The District encourages residents to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:
- Dump or drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
- Defend yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow the label directions.
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk
Chickens are used as sentinels for several mosquito-borne viruses because when an infected mosquito bites a chicken, the bird naturally resists the virus and develops antibodies that are detected in lab tests. Mosquitoes are trapped throughout Lake County and tested for West Nile and other viruses.
This year, West Nile virus activity has been detected in four mosquito samples and four sentinel chickens in Lake County. Statewide, 21 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes. Through Sep. 17, 2021, 46 cases of West Nile virus illness, including four fatalities, have been reported in California residents this year. For more information about West Nile virus, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/.
Lake County Vector Control District provides public health mosquito and vector control services to our community. If you would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on your property that you want treated, please contact the Lake County Vector Control District at (707) 263-4770 or submit a service request on their website at www.lcvcd.org.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Lake County residents have the opportunity to obtain funding for their home repair needs.
Is your home in the need of repair? Are you unsure how to cover repair costs? You’re not alone. The Regional Housing Authority is providing the Lake County Residents with the opportunity to obtain funding for their home repair needs.
Whether you need preventive maintenance repairs, or you have an urgent need, Lake County Housing Rehabilitation Program can help.
Lake County Housing Rehabilitation Program provides loans to low-income homeowners at 0% interest with no monthly payments. Eligible improvements include health and safety repairs, home modifications for disabled persons, energy and water conservation, interior and exterior repairs, and updating to current building code.
With the Lake County Housing Rehabilitation Program, you can preserve your home and protect your investment. Call (530) 671-0220 ext. 128 for more information or to find out if you qualify.
—Submitted
—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
