Two West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples have been found in zip code 95219 – the Stockton area.
San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s mosquito-borne disease surveillance program confirmed the findings on June 14.
“This is the first find of WNV in San Joaquin County for 2018.” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of the District. “With warm weather, mosquito populations will continue to increase, leading to an elevated risk of WNV in humans.”
Adult mosquito control activities will increase in accordance with the District’s surveillance results. The District does its part in controlling mosquitoes; however mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility, added Devencenzi. It is important that people protect themselves from mosquito bites. Residents and visitors of San Joaquin County can reduce their risk of WNV infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by taking several 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.
Mosquito and Vector Control District representatives will be in Escalon on Wednesday, June 27 with a giveaway of mosquitofish to help residents keep mosquito populations down. The stop is scheduled at Hogan-Ennis Park from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the mosquitofish will be provided free to residents for use in ornamental ponds, neglected swimming pools and animal water troughs to help reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.
Report significant mosquito infestations and daytime biting mosquitoes to San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org; call (209) 982-4675 or 1-800-300-4675.
