LAKE COUNTY
West Nile Virus detected in Lake County mosquitoes
Two mosquito samples collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped on July 11 near Lakeport and Kelseyville.
“West Nile virus shows up each year in Lake County, usually in July,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “A positive mosquito sample means that West Nile virus could be transmitted by mosquitoes now, and is a reminder to use mosquito repellent outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are biting.”
No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2023. Statewide, 21 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. No human cases have been reported in California this year, but one human case of another mosquito virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, was reported in a Kern County resident.
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 WNV 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 AM to 4 PM) or visit their website at www.lcvcd.org. For more information about West Nile virus, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.
—Submitted
FORT BRAGG
Flotilla of Lake County barbecue for Coast Guard Station
On Wednesday July 12, 2023, four members of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County, traveled to the USCG Station at Noyo River Basin in Ft. Bragg to prepare a luncheon for the active duty service personnel stationed there.
Flotilla Commodore Rich Thomas made this possible with the station by personal contact and advance plans for the barbecue. Flotilla member Rich Thomas barbequed bratwurst sausages while Vice Commander Art
Martinez sliced the water melon and John Felton and Dorothy De Lope prepared the buns, grapes, potato salad, and cookies. Packaged chips were serves as well as cold soft drinks and water.
Present for the luncheon were 14 Coast Guard personnel who enjoyed the barbecue and came back for seconds. The Flotilla members were thanked profusely by the station personnel and the Officer in Charge (OIC).
—Submitted
