LAKEPORT, Calif. – West Nile virus has been found in local mosquitoes, sentinel chickens and a dead bird from Lake County this year, officials said on Friday.

This week, West Nile virus was detected in mosquito samples from Cobb and Middletown.

This brings the total West Nile virus activity in Lake County this year to seven mosquito samples (Clearlake Oaks, Cobb, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Middletown), two sentinel chickens (Upper Lake) and one dead bird (Kelseyville).

“Preventing mosquitoes prevents mosquito bites and illnesses like West Nile virus,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “Take a short walk in your yard today and dump out any standing water you find. It can be a great activity for your kids — they’ll probably find water you didn’t know was there.”

Vector Control encourages residents to protect themselves with these steps:

• Eliminate mosquito habitat: Empty and clean any containers that hold water, such as tires, buckets, and planters.
• Maintain swimming pools. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
• Consider mosquito fish: For water sources that cannot be drained, such as ornamental ponds or unmaintained swimming pools, the Vector Control District offers free mosquito fish to help control mosquito larvae.
• Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing according to label instructions whenever outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing: When outside during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Report dead birds to the toll-free state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.

“West Nile virus is a significant public health concern in California, primarily spread by mosquitoes,” explained Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Noemi Doohan. “Since its first detection in the state in 2003, human cases have been reported annually. People are most often infected during the summer and early fall when mosquito activity peaks. While many infected individuals may exhibit no symptoms or experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches, WNV can lead to severe and potentially fatal conditions in less than 1% of cases. This includes high fever, neck stiffness, vision loss, and paralysis. Individuals over 60, those with chronic diseases, or those with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of developing serious symptoms. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for WNV; care is supportive and, in severe cases, may require hospitalization.”

Doohand added, “We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Scott's and the vector control team's continued vigilance in monitoring and managing the West Nile virus situation. Their dedicated efforts are crucial in protecting public health and mitigating the spread of this potentially severe virus. Their ongoing commitment ensures that our communities remain informed and safeguarded against this persistent threat.”

No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2024.

In 2023, six Lake County residents fell ill and one died from West Nile. Statewide, five human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported and 27 California counties have detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes, dead birds, sentinel chickens or horses.

The Lake County Vector Control District provides mosquito control services to our community. If you need help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on your property that you want treated, please contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or submit a service request on their website at www.lcvcd.org.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/.