Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes This Fourth of July Holiday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2012

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITOES THIS FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY 

Elk Grove, Calif.— BBQ’s, fireworks and fun outdoor activities are a great combination for the upcoming 4^th of July holiday, however the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds the public that mosquitoes will also be out looking for a meal and proper precautions are necessary to avoid mosquito bites and becoming infected with West Nile virus.  “Tomorrow evening many will be outside enjoying the fireworks at dusk when mosquitoes are most active,” saidDavid Brown, District Manager.  “Please avoid being bitten by wearing an effective insect repellent” added Brown.

Last night the District concluded two nights of aerial spraying to control mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus over portions of Sacramento County. Increased reports of dead birds and mosquito samples infected with the disease prompted the spraying in the area. The District urges area residents to do their part to ensure mosquitoes don’t breed on their property. “As we head into the hottest months of the year and we know West Nile virus will be on the rise, we ask everyone to do their part and help us control mosquitoes by draining all sources of water in their back yard” said Brown.

District field staff will be working through the holiday to continue surveillance efforts and treatment of all mosquito breeding sources in the area.

West Nile virus activity has increased throughout the state and thus far, activity has been found in 18 counties compared to 12 counties at this same time last year. In 2011 there were 158 human cases and 9 deaths related toWest Nile virus.

For current information about District activities, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website under Spraying Updates.