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Mosquitoes in Lake County test positive for West Nile virus
The Lake County Vector Control District said the mosquitoes, Culex tarsalis (western encephalitis mosquito), were collected near Middletown on July 14.
“Detecting West Nile virus is typical for July in Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District.
“Many of us are spending more time at home and in our yards this summer, and during the COVID-19 pandemic it’s easy to forget that West Nile virus is still here,” Scott said. “Thankfully, mosquitoes cannot transmit COVID-19.”
Lake County Vector Control District continues to provide mosquito control services to the community.
If residents need help with a mosquito problem, please call the district from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or request service online anytime at http://lcvcd.org/request-service/ .
The district also provides free mosquito-eating fish for swimming pools or spas that are not being maintained, and for backyard ponds, water features and animal watering troughs.
“Mosquitoes develop in water, so you can protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by dumping out standing water,” Scott said. “Take a walk around your yard today and look for places that might hold water like buckets, toys, and boats and dump out any water you find. If you have a pond, livestock watering trough, or water feature that can’t be drained, then contact the district and we can provide free mosquito-eating fish to prevent mosquitoes from growing there.”
The district encourages residents to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases by:
– Dumping or draining standing water to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
– Defending yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions.
– Avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
So far this year, West Nile virus activity has been detected in one mosquito sample in Lake County.
Statewide, 20 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes.
As of July 17, two human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents this year.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on their property that they want treated should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or visit the district website at www.lcvcd.org .
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.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 .