The Turlock Mosquito Abatement District and Public Health Officials received notification that three mosquito samples taken in the Turlock area on July 8 were positive with the West Nile Virus (WNV), indicating that West Nile Virus (WNV) is active in Stanislaus County.
Turlock Abatement District Manager Jerry Davis indicated that the District expected the isolated virus in mosquitoes earlier this year, as weather conditions that provide ideal conditions for the virus to multiply in mosquitoes have been present since June 1. Statewide virus activity is increasing, however still remains below where it was last year. The District plans to conduct ground spraying operations to control mosquitoes in those areas where virus activity has been found.
East Side Abatement District Manager Lloyd Douglass stated that “with the increase in WNV activity, it is important that the public uses insect repellent for protection against WNV.”
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito. Public Health officials are advising the public to take all precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent when outside, and avoid spending time outdoors at sunset and sunrise, when mosquitoes are most active. To be effective, repellant should contain DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and other protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
Stanislaus County residents are asked to continue to notify the Abatement Districts of any neglected swimming pools and ornamental ponds. Neglected pools are a primary spot where mosquitoes carrying WNV can be found.
Residents also need to take an active part in reducing their risk of getting WNV by eliminating standing water around their homes and keeping their pools in good working order. Mosquito fish are available upon request.
Residents can call their local Mosquito Abatement District with questions or concerns. In Stanislaus County, north of the Tuolumne River call East Side Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 522-4098. All other residents may call Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 634-1234.
All horse owners are also urged to consult their veterinarians about proper and timely WNV vaccinations.
The public can report dead birds to the California Department of Health Services by logging on to http://westnile.ca.gov/cfm/deadbird.cfm or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).
Turlock Abatement District Manager Jerry Davis indicated that the District expected the isolated virus in mosquitoes earlier this year, as weather conditions that provide ideal conditions for the virus to multiply in mosquitoes have been present since June 1. Statewide virus activity is increasing, however still remains below where it was last year. The District plans to conduct ground spraying operations to control mosquitoes in those areas where virus activity has been found.
East Side Abatement District Manager Lloyd Douglass stated that “with the increase in WNV activity, it is important that the public uses insect repellent for protection against WNV.”
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a mosquito. Public Health officials are advising the public to take all precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent when outside, and avoid spending time outdoors at sunset and sunrise, when mosquitoes are most active. To be effective, repellant should contain DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and other protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
Stanislaus County residents are asked to continue to notify the Abatement Districts of any neglected swimming pools and ornamental ponds. Neglected pools are a primary spot where mosquitoes carrying WNV can be found.
Residents also need to take an active part in reducing their risk of getting WNV by eliminating standing water around their homes and keeping their pools in good working order. Mosquito fish are available upon request.
Residents can call their local Mosquito Abatement District with questions or concerns. In Stanislaus County, north of the Tuolumne River call East Side Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 522-4098. All other residents may call Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at (209) 634-1234.
All horse owners are also urged to consult their veterinarians about proper and timely WNV vaccinations.
The public can report dead birds to the California Department of Health Services by logging on to http://westnile.ca.gov/cfm/deadbird.cfm or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).
