From the Enterprise-Record
May 30, 2019
BUTTE COUNTY — Public health officials are on high alert over a possible significant increase in West Nile virus cases this summer.
Recent rains combined with challenges left over from the Camp Fire are creating a haven for mosquitoes. Officials warn that several factors may contribute to one of the worst summers for West Nile virus cases if residents don’t take precautions now.
“Right now, we are really on high alert,” said Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Matt Ball. “It only takes one bite from a mosquito.”
With the increased amount of rain, many breeding grounds and standing pools of water are still in the area which include: miscellaneous containers, rain gutters, septic tanks, debris material and stagnant pools are still in the area. The remaining water combined with increased temperatures creates quite the “perfect storm” for mosquitoes in the area, according to Ball.
Historically speaking, the West Nile virus becomes active every June and starts winding down in the cooler autumn months around October. Although Ball said some of the water sources mosquitoes breed in will disappear as the heat returns, homeowners should always remain vigilant.