S.J. County takes measures to prevent mosquito health threats

Two invasive mosquito species capable of spreading diseases have been found throughout California, according to Aaron Devencenzi, public information officer for the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

In a press release issued on Monday, Devencenzi said that

Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito and

Aedes albopictus, or Asian tiger mosquito, have been found in Southern and Central California, including Merced County in September 2017.

Both species are known to bite in the daytime, and are potential carriers of diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika, Devencenzi said, although West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease found in San Joaquin County.

“We don’t have them in San Joaquin County yet, but we want people to be proactive in reporting daytime mosquito bites so that we can identify and eradicate them before they become a problem,” Devencenzi said.

To help reduce the risk of mosquito bites and infection, residents are advised to eliminate all sources of standing water around their homes, apply insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin and avoid spending time outside at dawn, dusk and the first two hours after sunset when mosquitos are most active, Devencenzi said.

For more information, or to report mosquito bites or request service, contact the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District at 209982-4675 or visit www.sjmosquito.org.