LAKE COUNTY
West Nile Virus detected in Lake County mosquitoes
Three mosquito samples collected in Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this week. Mosquitoes were trapped on July 12 in Kelseyville and July 16 in Lower Lake.
“West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that appears every year in California, including Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “Protect yourself from bites by using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent if you are out at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”
The LCVCD encourages residents to protect themselves with these steps:
—Empty and clean any containers that hold water, such as tires, buckets, and planters.
—Maintain swimming pools. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
—Consider mosquito fish: For water sources that cannot be drained, such as ornamental ponds or unmaintained swimming pools, the LCVCD offers free mosquito fish to help control mosquito larvae.
—Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing according to label instructions whenever outdoors.
—When outside during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
—Report dead birds to the toll-free state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.
“West Nile virus is a serious threat, but by taking these simple precautions, residents can significantly reduce their risk of infection,” Dr. Scott concluded.
No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2024. In 2023, six Lake County residents fell ill and one died from WNV. Statewide, 23 California counties have detected WNV this year in mosquitoes and dead birds.
If you need help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest you want treated, contact the Lake County Vector Control District at (707) 263-4770 (Mon-Fri 7:30 AM to 4 PM) or submit a service request on 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 https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/.
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LAKEPORT
Online pet licensing available
The Lakeport Police Department has tools and resources to assist our community with Pet Licensing and Private Property Trespassing Services and Online Submission of Non-Emergency concerns:
Pet Licensing Service are now exclusively available at the Lakeport Police Department only. This was a disjointed service that caused you to have to visit both City Hall and Lakeport PD or risk our not having your information available for the speedy return of your pet. Now we are a one-stop shop for all of your Pet Licensing needs. M-Th 8am-5pm (with the potential for online availability in the future!!)
For property owners struggling with trespassing issues, the Police Department recommends visiting our new Trespass Enforcement Authorization information page at: https://www.cityoflakeport.com/police/trespass_enforcement_authorization.php, or visit the LakeportPolice.org website and choose ‘Trespass Enforcement Authorization’ from the left menu. This will get you to the landing page that includes an expressed waiver, what are ineligible properties, the process for submitting the letter and a link to the letter in WORD format for download, editing, printing, etc. This letter allows the Police Department to enforce no-trespassing on private property in the City of Lakeport and take enforcement action when voluntary compliance and/or warnings do not appropriately address the issue.
Have you had a concern you want to address to the Police Department or information you wanted to share but do not need an immediate response? https://lakeport.crimegraphics.com , or visit the LakeportPolice.org website and choose Community Portal – Crime Activity/Crime Analysis & More from the left menu. Then choose ‘Directed Patrol Requests’ from the left menu. You can enter your contact information then submit and a member of the Department will respond.
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