West Nile Virus Detected in Auburn Area
Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District urges residents to wear repellent
and avoid times of high mosquito activity
ROSEVILLE, CA – Three new West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples were reported in Auburn near Ophir Road and in the Newcastle area yesterday. This brings the total to four positive mosquito samples and three positive dead birds in Placer County so far this season.
Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District technicians will be increasing inspections of standing water sources that may support larval mosquitoes, and making appropriate larvicide and biological control treatments in this area. Due to low mosquito populations numbers and cooler average temperatures recently, no adult mosquito spraying is planned at the present time.
The District uses early detection and mosquito control to reduce the numbers of infected mosquitoes that might bite someone and make them sick. "West Nile Virus is here to stay, and seasonal local areas of West Nile Virus activity are to be expected" said Joel Buettner, District Manager, "it is important that we respond to areas of West Nile Virus activity as early as possible to have the best chance of reducing risk of disease transmission in the community".
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, and can result in serious illness, disability and death in some cases. Six human cases of West Nile Virus were reported in 2008 in Placer County. No human cases have been reported yet in 2009; however human cases tend to be reported later in the season due to the time lag between a person being bitten, getting sick, and a positive diagnosis being made and reported by a healthcare provider.
District officials urge the public to take additional measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites especially during the hours around dawn and dusk. Wearing long sleeves and pants and using a mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus will help limit the risk of getting West Nile Virus.
The District also encourages the public to continue to report dead birds to the State Dead Bird Hotline at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD). District staff will make every effort to pick up reported dead birds that are suitable for West Nile Virus testing.
For more information please call the District at 1-888-768-2343 or visit placermosquito.org.
Contact: Joel Buettner, General Manager (916) 380-5440.
Sara Madsen2020-10-26T16:26:00-07:00August 7, 2009|