LAKEPORT, Calif. – For the first time this year, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes and a dead bird in Lake County.
The mosquitoes, Culex tarsalis (western encephalitis mosquito), were collected in traps near Clearlake Oaks on Aug. 16.
The dead bird, an American crow, was reported by a Lakeport resident on Aug. 6.
“Despite the dry year, mosquitoes and West Nile virus activity continues to be a risk. Mosquitoes will find the water they need to lay their eggs. We’re seeing West Nile virus activity increasing statewide, including in Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District.
“You can avoid West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites,” Scott said. “Mosquitoes thrive in still water. Dump out or drain water in backyard water sources, or contact the district for free mosquito-eating fish for water that can’t be drained, like unmaintained (green) swimming pools and spas, ornamental ponds, or animal watering troughs.”
The district encourages residents to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:
• Dump or drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
• Defend yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
So far this year, West Nile virus activity has been detected in three mosquito samples and one dead bird in Lake County.
Statewide, 24 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes.
As of Aug. 18, 12 human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents this year.
Residents can report dead birds to help the district identify where West Nile virus activity is taking place. All dead bird reports from the public are critical in helping the district direct mosquito operations.
Report dead birds to the state’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD) or online at the California Department of Public Health's website https://westnile.ca.gov/report.
The Lake County Vector Control District provides mosquito and vector control services to the community.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or who 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 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or request service online anytime at https://www.lcvcd.org/request-service-d649036.
For more information about the Lake County Vector Control District and its services, visit www.LCVCD.org.
For 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.