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Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus
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San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s (District) mosquito-borne disease surveillance program confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquitoes in zip code 95219 along the west side of I-5 in Stockton. These are the first WNV positive mosquitoes in 2014 following a WNV positive bird found in the Tracy reported on March 13, 2014.

“West Nile virus is here to stay so it is imperative that people take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites as well as removing standing water on their properties where mosquitoes develop,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District.

In response to the detection of WNV, the District will expand surveillance and control of local mosquito populations on all private and public lands within San Joaquin County.

Mosquito control activities include: making recommendations to property owners on methods to reduce mosquito breeding conditions; educating the public on mosquito prevention techniques, including the use of repellants; introducing mosquitofish to ponds, ditches, and other aquatic sites; and spraying areas where mosquitoes are found.

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.

Residents are also asked to help do their part by reporting significant mosquito infestations to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675 and report dead birds and tree squirrels to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov.