Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this year in San Joaquin County, officials confirmed.
The county’s Mosquito and Vector Control District collected positive samples in its mosquito-borne disease surveillance program, according to a statement released Friday. Officials said that although the positive test results are the first of the year, they are typical for the start of summer. Infected mosquitoes were found about the same time last year.
“As temperatures continue to climb in the summer months, it is crucial that the public take action to prevent both mosquito development and mosquito bites,” Aaron Devencenzi, the agency’s public information officer, said in a statement.
The district’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program tests samples of 50 or fewer species that have the ability to carry West Nile virus. Four positive samples were found last week in ZIP Codes 95337 and 95376.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. According to the CDC, there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile virus. Last year, a 57-year-old Stockton man contracted the virus in September and received medical treatment at a Sacramento area healthcare facility.
Reduce your risk
To reduce your risk of contracting West Nile virus, you can take the steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Devencenzi advised residents to remove all standing water that can attract mosquitoes to their property, and to use tight-fitting screens on doors and windows at your home.
The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District said it will continue to provide surveillance of mosquito populations and test for mosquito-borne diseases.
Devencenzi also advised using mosquito repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Such insect repellents prevent mosquitoes from biting and contain EPA-registered active ingredients including DEET, Picaridin, the repellent form of oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535.
Officials also advised residents of the following:
- Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, especially for the first two hours after sunset.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing when outdoors.
- Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equines against West Nile virus.
To learn more about the county’s Mosquito and Vector Control activities, go to www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Mosquito spraying
The county also plans to continue ground and air spray operations. Parts of south and central Tracy, east and northeast Manteca were sprayed early Monday morning, while parting of rural south San Joaquin County was sprayed last Thursday.
Spray locations and times are normally available 24 hours in advance. Residents can access spray information and scheduled spray locations by calling the district at (209) 982-4675 or toll-free at (800) 300-4675.