San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program recently detected West Nile virus (WNV) in three samples of mosquitoes found in zip codes 95366, Ripon; and 95337, Manteca.
“With the expected abundance of mosquitoes from a wet winter, finding WNV in collected mosquitoes reiterates the concern of mosquito-borne disease. These WNV positive mosquitoes are the first indicator that WNV is active in San Joaquin County this year,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of the District. “As temperatures rise during the summer months, so will mosquito populations. West Nile virus will amplify within the mosquito population, leading to an elevated risk of WNV in humans.”
Adult mosquito control activities will increase following the District’s surveillance results, Devencenzi added.
Also scheduled is the District’s annual giveaway of mosquitofish, a free program that is now in its 20th year.
Mosquitofish will be provided to residents of San Joaquin County; those attending the distribution will be asked to provide their name, address and the location where the fish will be placed. Mosquitofish are an ideal way to help control mosquito populations in ornamental ponds, water toughs and neglected swimming pools.
The free mosquitofish giveaway days are coming up next week around the county. Escalon is first on the list, with Tuesday, June 20 the giveaway date. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the distribution set at the Hogan-Ennis Park parking lot, 1051 Escalon Ave.
Other communities that will see giveaways around the county include Lockeford, Linden, Mountain House, River Islands in Lathrop, Lodi, Stockton and Ripon.
The District does its part in controlling mosquitoes, officials said; however, mosquito prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Residents and visitors of San Joaquin County can reduce their risk of WNV infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by taking these precautions:
Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito development.
According to label instructions, when outdoors, apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Repellents prevent mosquitoes from biting.
Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, especially for the first two hours after sunset.
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other protective clothing, when outdoors.
Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.
Report significant mosquito infestations and daytime biting mosquitoes to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org or (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675.
Report dead birds to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or to www.westnile.ca.gov.
To learn more about mosquito and vector control activities in San Joaquin County, go to the District’s website at www.sjmosquito.org. Follow them on Facebook @SJmosquitoandvector for more tips and information. To request District service, call (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675, or visit www.sjmosquito.org.
