Mosquito district reports significant rise in West Nile virus activity

Just days after San Joaquin County Public Health Services confirmed this year’s first human case of West Nile virus in the county, the San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District is reporting a significant rise in WNV activity in mosquitoes.

Aaron Devencenzi, a public information officer for the mosquito district, said the county experienced a cool spring with low mosquito populations, but hot weather has caused a significant rise in mosquitoes.

The district’s disease surveillance and disease testing laboratory continues to report high WNV infection rates in collected mosquitoes.

“In the last three weeks we started to see the virus within the mosquitoes increasing in numbers as well as the mosquito population,” Devencenzi said. “So, its an event that the public needs to be aware of because it increases the risk of WNV in the human population.”

A few days ago, public heath services announced that a 51 year-old man in Stockton had been infected with a mild case of WNV.

“We want to let the public know that it’s important to wear mosquito repellent, make sure you get rid of standing water around your house and report a significant amount of mosquitoes,” Devencenzi said.

The district is taking an aggressive approach to reducing mosquito populations and is notifying the public to take precautions such as using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquitoborne disease.

The district is also actively trapping, testing, and spraying for mosquitoes.

While some who are infected may not show symptoms, WNV can make some people very sick and can also be fatal, Devencenzi said.

Devencenzi is asking for the public’s help to reduce the number of mosquitoes as the season progresses.

Devencenzi advises the public to avoid being outdoors if mosquitoes are present. Long sleeves and pants also help prevent mosquito bites.

Report significant mosquito problems including daytime biting mosquitoes to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at

www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675 or 1-800-300- 4675.

To report dead birds, call 1877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or visit www.westnile.ca.gov.

For additional information or to request service, request free mosquitofish, or to sign up for the district’s spray notification system, go to www.sjmosquito.org.