The first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes have been reported for 2016 in San Joaquin County.

Officials at the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program confirmed two West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples found in Stockton, zip code 95210. This is the first find of WNV in San Joaquin County for 2016.

“This find serves as a reminder that mosquitoes carry disease that can harm humans. The District does its part in controlling mosquitoes, however mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer for the District.

With the intermittent warm weather and sporadic rains this spring, it is important that people protect themselves from mosquito bites. Residents and visitors of San Joaquin County can reduce their risk of WNV and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by taking these precautions:

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

Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or Picaridin when outdoors, according to label instructions.

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

When outdoors, wear long pants, 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 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 and tree squirrels to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov.

For additional information, request service, and/or to sign up for the District’s spray notification system, go to www.sjmosquito.org.