FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2012
RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS IS HIGH IN WILTON
–Areas in South Sacramento County Continue to be Hot Spots
Elk Grove, Calif.— Risk of West Nile virus continues to be high in South Sacramento County especially in the areas of Wilton and Elk Grove. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed that 50 mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus. “The hot temperatures we had last week continue to amplify the virus in our mosquito and bird populations,” said David Brown, District Manager. “Residents need to be aware and protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes because anyone can become infected.” added Brown. Over the last couple of weeks, the Wilton area in South Sacramento County has seen an increase in West Nile virus activity with many new birds and mosquitoes testing positive for the disease. In response to the heightened activity, the District conducted widespread truck mounted fogging in order to reduce populations of adult infected mosquitoes, however aerial spraying may also be necessary. Weather conditions, though are forecast to be unfavorable for this week.
In the meantime, residents are urged to always use an effective mosquito repellent when doing any outdoor activities especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and to inspect their homes for any mosquito breeding sources on their property.
While most of the WNV activity has been centered in South Sacramento County, all residents should remain vigilant because virus activity has also been detected in other areas including Yolo County. Though no local human WNV cases have been reported in our area, West Nile virus activity continues to increase throughout the state and so far activity has registered in 20 counties. At this same time last year, only 14 counties had reported West Nile virus activity.
For current information about any treatments planned, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up go to Spray Notifications.
2012 West Nile virus activity update:
Level 2–Sacramento County: 249 dead birds, 0 sentinel chickens, 231 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Level 2–Yolo County: 16 dead birds, 0 sentinel chickens, 7 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
Contact: Luz Maria Rodriguez, Public Information Officer
Office: 916.405.2082 | Cell: 916.416.6337
E-mail: lrodriguez@FIGHTtheBITE.net
