LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lake County Vector Control District confirmed Friday that five more mosquito samples from Lake County tested positive for West Nile virus this week.
“We’re seeing West Nile virus active throughout the state, and Lake County is no exception,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “If you are outside around dusk or dawn, use a mosquito repellent that contains Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or DEET.”
West Nile virus occurs every year in California, and the summer heat increases virus activity and mosquito populations.
In Lake County this year, a total of seven mosquito samples and one dead bird have tested positive for West Nile virus, or WNV.
The positive mosquitoes were collected in Clearlake Oaks (1), Kelseyville (1), Lakeport (2), Lower Lake (2), Middletown (1).
The positive dead bird was an acorn woodpecker found near Cobb.
Mosquitoes develop in water, so tipping over any buckets or other containers of water prevents adult mosquitoes.
For water sources that can’t be drained, like a pond, livestock watering trough, water feature, or an out-of-service (green) hot tub or pool, residents should contact the District for free mosquito-eating fish to prevent mosquitoes from growing there.
A video of mosquito eggs and larvae can be viewed here.
To prevent mosquito bites, the district offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended.
• Wear repellent containing Picaridin, IR3535, DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week.
• Close unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home; repair broken or damaged screens.
• Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Dr. Scott reminds residents that the Lake County Vector Control District is here to help if they are noticing biting mosquitoes, would like help with a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on their property that they want treated.
Contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or submit a request online at http://lcvcd.org/request-service/.
Residents should report dead birds — especially crows, ravens and scrub-jays — to the California West Nile Virus Call Center online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report or by calling 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD).
Statewide, this year 27 California counties have detected WNV, mainly in mosquitoes. As of Aug. 4, eight human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://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.
More West Nile virus confirmed in Lake County mosquitoes and a dead bird
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
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