By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
mvcd logo

Shortly after the first case of West Nile Virus was reported in neighboring Stanislaus County, the first positive case has been recorded for San Joaquin County as well. The information was released on Thursday, June 4.

San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s (District) mosquito-borne disease surveillance program confirmed a West Nile virus (WNV) positive bird found in zip code 95219, the Stockton area.

“With this being the first evidence of WNV this year in San Joaquin County, residents need to take precaution to prevent mosquito development around homes and prevent mosquito bites. After all, mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of the District. “Adult mosquito control activities will increase in accordance with our surveillance results.”

With the recent high temperatures, the mosquito’s life cycle speeds up, and so does the replication of the virus within its body. It is important that people protect themselves from mosquito bites. Take these precautions to reduce the risk of WNV infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases:

Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito development.

When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, according to label instructions. Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting people.

Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset.

When outdoors in cooler weather, wear long pants, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, and other protective clothing.

Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.

Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.

Report daytime biting mosquitoes or significant mosquito infestations to San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org, (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675.

Report dead birds to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov. For additional information, request service, or to sign up for the District’s spray notification system, go to www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675. Follow them on Facebook @SJmosquitoandvector for tips and informative posts.