Davis has seen an increase in the West Nile virus and the mosquitoes that cause it, prompting authorities to intensify ground and aerial spraying.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has been monitoring the areas where West Nile activity has intensified over the past few weeks, stated spokeswoman Luz Maria Robles.
To date, 40 mosquito samples and 19 dead birds have tested positive for the virus in Yolo County with the majority of activity in Davis, she stated.
“Our laboratory surveillance efforts demonstrate that the virus is steadily increasing and we are concerned,” stated Gary Goodman, district manager. “We are still in the middle of summer and the hot temperatures are contributing to high mosquito populations in both urban and agricultural areas.”
The district has increased the ground treatments in parks, trails, beltways and conducted routine aerial treatments over certain agricultural areas prone to mosquito activity, Robles stated.
The district has worked closely with local officials to inform residents about the increased activity and urge the public to protect themselves with a good insect repellent in addition to inspecting their homes for any stagnant water and identifying any mosquito breeding sources, Robles added. Surveillance efforts will continue with trapping and testing of mosquitoes throughout Davis in order to determine next steps.
According to Robles, the virus also remains at elevated levels throughout Sacramento County. The district has kept close eye on Citrus Heights, Orangevale and North Highlands where recently much of the virus activity has been concentrated in.
For current information about any treatments planned please visit FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents can subscribe to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, visit FIGHTtheBITE.net and go to Spray Notifications.
To report stagnant water sources, request a home inspection or if you are being bothered by mosquitoes, please call 1-800-429-1022 or fill out a service request online at FIGHTtheBITE.net
