From ABC 7
September 7, 2019

The hot weather is bringing new concerns over West Nile Virus to the Southland.

Eleven additional mosquito samples tested positive for the virus, according to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Officials say positive samples were collected in four new areas: Montebello, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and Woodland Hills.

There have been 25 positive samples in the area this year.

Some neighborhoods in Anaheim and Buena Park will be sprayed next week after a recent uptick of adult mosquitoes and dead birds with West Nile in those areas.

So far this year, 57 West Nile Virus cases in humans have been reported in California, four of which were identified by the L.A. County Department of Public Health.

Experts say the summer heat can increase virus activity and mosquito population.

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From SCVNews.com
September 6, 2019

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed 11 additional mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus, bringing the number of positive samples within the district’s service area to 25 this year.

Positive samples were collected in four new areas — Montebello, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and Woodland Hills.

So far this year, no West Nile-infected mosquito samples have been discovered in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps:

* Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
* Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
* Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.
* Request mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in ornamental ponds.
* Wear EPA-recommended insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
* Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to your vector control district.

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From the Red Bluff Daily News
September 6, 2019

RED BLUFF — Two cases of West Nile virus were found in chickens in Tehama County, according to a press release issued Friday by the Tehama County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The California Department of Health Services Vector Borne Disease Section lab in Sacramento confirmed two chickens from Red Bluff, and Corning tested positive for the virus, the release said.

West Nile virus first appeared in Tehama County around 2004, according to Daily News archives. A Tehama County resident died from the virus in 2017.

The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. West Nile can infect other animals such as horses, chickens, birds and squirrels.

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From Champion Newspapers
September 6, 2019

From Technology Networks
September 6, 2019

Zika virus attracted worldwide attention in recent years due to the devastating consequences of infection for pregnant women and their fetuses, many of which were born with microcephaly and other severe neurological malformations. Although ZIKV infection has historically been associated to relatively mild symptoms, a number of serious neurological complications were described in adult patients during the 2015 outbreak in America. Despite these clinical observations, how ZIKV is toxic to the adult brain and how neurological problems are caused in infected adults have remained unknown.

Researchers led by neuroscientists Sergio T. Ferreira e Claudia Figueiredo and virologist Andrea Da Poian at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) have now come up with answers to these questions. First, they exposed small fragments of adult human brain tissue to ZIKV isolated from the blood of an infected Brazilian patient. Contrary to the previous belief that ZIKV only infects neuronal progenitor cells or neurons that are still immature in the developing brain, they found that the virus infected and replicated in adult human tissue, producing new viral particles capable of infecting more cells.

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From the Orange County, CA Patch
September 5, 2019

ANAHEIM, CA — The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is reporting an increase of West Nile Virus activity in the Cities of Anaheim and Buena Park.

“Recent laboratory test results indicate a significant number of positive WNV mosquito samples in the area between N. Dale Ave and Euclid, south of the 91 freeway to Ball Road,” the vector control district reported.

Investigating dead birds in the area, the OCMVCD determined that a near-epidemic presence of WNV positive mosquito samples increases the risk of residents getting bit by a mosquito capable of transmitting the virus.

“On September 10, 11 and 12, the OCMVCD will conduct ultra-low volume truck-mounted applications to treat for infected adult mosquitoes between the hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. in a 4.5 square mile area containing approximately 8,883 properties in Anaheim and Buena Park,” Orange County Mosquito Vector Control spokesperson said.

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From The Horse
September 3, 2019

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed on Aug. 28 that an unvaccinated yearling Andalusian stallion presented with clinical signs of West Nile virus (WNV), including ataxia (incoordination), drooling, fever, and lethargy, on Aug. 18. The colt was tested using IgM-capture ELISA. By the confirmation date, the attending veterinarian reported the horse still displayed signs of ataxia but had received supportive care and improved.

This diagnosis marks the first confirmed case of equine West Nile virus in Madera County for 2019 and the fifth statewide, with other affected counties including Fresno, Kern, San Bernardino, and Stanislaus.

Seventy-five percent of the WNV cases confirmed in California are typically reported in August and September, with the first case being reported in late July or early August most years, said Katie Flynn, BVMS, MRCVS, equine staff veterinarian with the CDFA. In 2019 the first case was reported on Aug. 12.

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From KGET
September 3, 2019

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — State health officials said two more human cases of West Nile have been reported in Kern County.

The California Department of Public Health reported the two cases last week, plus one report of a horse testing positive for the virus.

Three human cases of West Nile have been reported in Kern County in 2019.

Overall, California reported nearly 60 cases so far in 2019.

To help prevent the contracting the virus, you can apply mosquito repellent if headed outdoors, especially at night, and avoid mosquitoes and areas infested with them during the day. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help you avoid being bitten as well.

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From the Los Angeles Times
September 3, 2019

SAN DIEGO  — Margaret Sohn’s Normal Heights home has a lovely yard — “one of the reasons why I bought this house,” she said — but she hasn’t spent much time there this summer.

From the Daily Republic
September 3, 2019

FAIRFIELD — The Solano County Public Health Division announced that mosquitoes recently trapped in the northeast area of the county, near Davis, were positive for the West Nile virus.

The samples were collected last week by the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District as part of its weekly, countywide trapping program. The mosquitoes are then sent to the University of California, Davis for testing.

“This marks the official start of West Nile virus season in Solano County,” Dr. Christine Wu, deputy health officer for the county, said in a statement released Tuesday. “This is an important reminder for residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent when outside and eliminating standing water where mosquitos can breed.”

Richard Snyder, district manager for the mosquito abatement district, said in a phone interview that the county usually gets its first indicators for the virus in May or June, so this positive test result comes a little later than normal.

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From Placer MVCD
August 29, 2019

ROSEVILLE, Calif., August 29, 2019 – The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District detected an invasive (non-native) species of mosquito on Wednesday, August 28. The Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, was found in a residential south Placer County neighborhood east of Auburn Boulevard at Interstate 80. The California Department of Public Health confirmed the invasive species detection.

“Our first step is to follow our invasive species response plan and do everything we can to conduct eradication efforts to protect our residents and public health,” said Joel Buettner, General Manager. “At this point in time, we have detected one female Aedes aegypti mosquito and are trying to determine the full extent of the infestation.”

The District uses a science-based, Integrated Vector Management approach to assess mosquito activity and risk and conduct appropriate mosquito control. The District’s approach for the detected mosquito area is conducting door-to-door property inspections to determine the infestation level. The District is also coordinating with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District on efforts since the mosquito was trapped near the county border.

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From KESQ
August 29, 2019

COACHELLA, Calif.- – Riverside County’s first West Nile virus infections of this year were confirmed today by the county Department of Public Health.
   
According to agency officials, a 65-year-old Mecca woman and a 71-year-old Coachella man were treated in recent weeks. No additional details were provided.
   
Riverside University Health System Disease Control specialist Barbara Cole said the patients are expected to recover.

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From the Red Bluff Daily News
August 29, 2019

RED BLUFF — West Nile Virus cases have been reported in Butte and Shasta counties within the past month, but Tehama County so far has been spared the virus.

Two people in Butte County have been exposed to the virus, according to the Butte County Health Department. Two mosquitoes carrying the virus have recently been found in Shasta County.

The virus appeared in Tehama County as far back as 2004, when it was discovered in a dead crow found near Diamond Park in Red Bluff, according to Daily News archives. A person died from the virus in Tehama County in 2017.

The virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Besides humans, the virus can infect other animals such as horses, chickens, birds and squirrels.

Nearly 6,800 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in California from 2003 to 2018, according to westnile.ca.gov. Of those cases, only 303 were fatal.

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From KCRA 3
August 29, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Invasive mosquitoes that have the potential to transmit the Zika virus have been found in Northern California.

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District said it found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Citrus Heights on Thursday. The mosquitoes were found at a home and in a street storm drain.

The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District said it has found this species of mosquito as well. One female was located Wednesday in a residential neighborhood in south Placer County east of Auburn Boulevard at Interstate 80, Placer County officials said.

“As a mosquito and vector control, we protect the public by preventing the risk,” said Joel Buettner, general manager for the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Buettner said there have been no reports in California of a mosquito transmitting the Zika virus to a person.

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From the Escalon Times
August 28, 2019

It was a little late in arriving, but West Nile Virus is making its presence known in the Central Valley.

Specifically, there have been a number of ground and a few aerial spraying operations in and around the Escalon area over the past few weeks.

“Overall in San Joaquin County, the last two weeks, we have seen a significant rise in West Nile Virus activity,” said San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District Public Information Officer Aaron Devencenzi explained.

Around the county, last week, there were 36 positive samples of mosquitoes, collected in traps and six of those positive samples were collected in Escalon.

“There were 63 positive samples the week prior, 14 of those were in Escalon,” Devencenzi added.

A test sample is 50 or less mosquitoes collected in a trap.

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From ABC News
August 28, 2019

A rare, potentially deadly mosquito-transmitted illness called Eastern equine encephalitishas been reported in at least three states.

There have been four recorded cases in Massachusetts, including one case in which the person died, while there have been three suspected cases in Michigan.

Cases involving animals have been reported in Florida.

In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Todd Ellerin, director of Infectious Diseases and vice chair Department of Medicine at South Shore Health in Massachusetts, explained that EEE “is the most deadly of all the mosquito-born viral brain infections, aka encephalitides.” However, EEE remains very rare and most people who get it never develop symptoms.

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From ABC 7
August 28, 2019

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) — Just what Southern California needs – not just more mosquitoes but a different breed of the insect that is sticking around longer.

The Aedes aegypti, more commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito or ankle biter, was first recorded in Orange County in 2015.

Now the invasive pests have been found in 29 of the county’s cities.

Lora Young with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control district says the agency is getting many calls for mosquitoes now.

Each bug may only live about a week, but with days heating up, they’re sticking around longer as a whole.

“We are seeing our mosquito season definitely lengthen all the way into October, November as we’re getting warmer temperatures,” Young said.

“They’re also very aggressive day biters so that’s why residents in the county are more impacted by them. They’re feeling the biting pressure of them.”

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From People.com
August 28, 2019

A 14-year-old girl is critically ill after contracting a rare mosquito-borne disease.

Savannah DeHart, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, a virus spread by mosquitos that causes brain infections. Since her diagnosis on Aug. 16, she has lost her ability to communicate and is on a ventilator in the hospital.

Her mother, Kerri Dooley, said that DeHart’s symptoms started as a headache.

“Friday [the 16th], it got to the point where she didn’t want to move,” Dooley told NBC 8.

Speaking ten days after DeHart’s diagnosis, Dooley said that her daughter’s brain functions are limited.

“She just kind of lays there for now,” Dooley said. “Her brain is trying to heal itself, and she can’t do anything until that happens. It’s been, probably the worst time of my life. I watched my daughter almost ‘check out’ … it’s the word we’ve been using right now.”

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From KYMA
August 27, 2019

EL CENTRO, Calif. – In Imperial County, two cases of Saint Louis Encephalitis and one case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed by residents in the Imperial Valley. 

The county also had a resident die this summer, due to West Nile Complications.

The Imperial County Public Health Department is warning residents to stay protected against mosquitoes.

With hunting season starting in California on September 1, county health officials want to make sure to spread the word about mosquito bite prevention.

Mosquito pools in three cities in the county have tested positive for West Nile Virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis. 
To combat mosquitoes in the valley, the public health department needs help from residents.

Health officials said killing the breeding source for these mosquitoes is vital, so they don’t reproduce.

Read more

From Caravan News
August 27, 2019

The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has detected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Stockton. The first detection was from a sample of mosquitoes collected on August 6, 2019, in the vicinity of Brookside. “Our goal is to control and limit the presence of this invasive mosquito species,” said Ed Lucchesi, Manager of the District. “We are doing everything possible to ensure these mosquitoes do not become established in our communities; however, this type of mosquito can be very difficult to eliminate,” said Lucchesi.

The District is increasing surveillance efforts by placing additional traps used to collect adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs. Additionally, the District’s staff is conducting door to door inspections of the residential area near the recent Aedes aegypti detection. The boundaries for the inspections are north to March Lane, south to the Diverting Canal, east to I-5, west to the Stockton Deep Water Channel.

Aedes aegypti is not native to California; however, it is a common mosquito in some urban areas of the southeastern United States and Arizona. Recently this species was detected in Stanislaus County. Elsewhere in California, Aedes aegypti have been found in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and San Mateo counties and numerous areas in southern California. Aedes aegypti has the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These viruses are not currently transmitted by mosquitoes in California. Aedes aegypti is a small (about ¼ inch) black and white mosquito that bites aggressively during the day. The public can help prevent the spread of these invasive mosquitoes by calling in daytime biting mosquitoes to the District.

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From News Medical Life Sciences
August 27, 2019

Control and prevention of Aedes-transmitted viruses, such as Dengue, Chikungunya, or Zika relies heavily on vector control approaches. Given the effort and cost involved in implementation of vector control, targeting of control measures is highly desirable. However, it is unclear to what extent the effectiveness of highly focal and reactive control measures depends on the commuting and movement patterns of humans.

Now, a team of researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville say that scientists and health officials should not only focus on vector control in curbing mosquito-borne illnesses. Instead, they should also evaluate how humans behave and commute to and from an affected area, including their living habitats.

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From ANewsCafe.com
August 26, 2019

Two more West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples have been discovered in Shasta County. One of the samples came from a trap located in the Northeast Redding area and the other came from a surveillance trap located in Anderson.

“With temperatures continuing to be high, and adult mosquito populations lingering, the risk from West Nile virus remains a concern. We ask that residents continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites when enjoying time outside,” stated Peter Bonkrude, District Manager of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. In addition, the District is reminding residents to eliminate any potential mosquito sources on their property to help in the reduction of adult mosquitoes.
West Nile virus continues to be present throughout the state, with positive WNv indicators throughout California counties. Due to this increase in WNv transmission, the District has augmented surveillance and treatment of larval and adult mosquitoes in the affected areas.

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District staff urges residents to take
precautions to avoid mosquito bites by implementing the 4 Ds of protection:
• Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes, this includes
flowerpots, old tires, and buckets. Some species of mosquitoes can lay their eggs in
very small sources of water, like a bottle cap.
• Defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent and
making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
• Dusk or Dawn, avoid outside activities.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active

Read more

From Action News Now
August 26, 2019

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – A second human West Nile Virus infection in Butte County has been confirmed. The infected person is an adult who suffered from a fever-like illness.

As of Aug. 23, 2019, 45 human West Nile Virus infections have been reported in 11 California counties.

West Nile Virus activity is now widespread throughout Butte County. The Butte County Public Health Department and Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District are urging residents to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by reducing mosquitoes on their property and preventing mosquito bites.

Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District have confirmed that 31 groups of mosquitoes and 12 sentinel chickens have tested positive with West Nile Virus.

The district is urging residents to drain all unneeded standing water and to report any suspected mosquito-breeding sites.

Read more

From ABC 30
August 22, 2019

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile Virus death in the county this year.

Health officials say another person also tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis which is the first reported case in Fresno County.

According to county officials, as of Wednesday, there are 26 positive human cases of West Nile this year, and that number is expected to increase.

At this time, FCDPH is collaborating with Fresno County mosquito abatement districts and the Central California Blood Center to increase awareness about mosquito activity.

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From the New York Times
August 22, 2019

A previously unknown outbreak of the Zika virus swept across Cuba in 2017, a year after the global health emergency was declared over, scientists reported on Thursday.

Until now, the Pan American Health Organization had no record of any Zika infection in Cuba in 2017, much less an outbreak. Following inquiries by The New York Times about the new study, published in the journal Cell, officials acknowledged that they had failed to tally 1,384 cases reported by Cuban officials that year.

That figure is a sharp increase over the 187 cases confirmed in 2016 and is “in line with the estimates for 2017 from our own study,” said Kristian Andersen, an infectious disease researcher at Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, Calif., and a co-author of the new study.

Because most cases of Zika go unconfirmed, Dr. Andersen added, the outbreak actually may have comprised tens of thousands of infections.

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From the Imperial Valley Press
August 22, 2019

EL CENTRO — Confirmation three weeks ago that mosquitos carrying West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis were found in the county was followed Wednesday with a report from the Imperial County Department of Public Health of two cases of SLE and the county’s second case of WNV this year.

The two cases of SLE are the first human cases of the disease reported statewide this year, the Health Department said. The West Nile case, unlike a case that killed a 74-year-old Bombay Beach resident on July 4, was not fatal.

The department said all three patients live in El Centro, and they are home recuperating.

The two SLE patients were reported to be middle-aged men who were hospitalized in late July with severe headache, fever and nausea, and were diagnosed with viral meningitis, the Health Department said. Fewer details were released about the West Nile case, other than the patient was also male.

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From the Davis Enterprise
August 22, 2019

West Nile virus has been detected in multiple mosquito samples tested in Davis in the last two weeks.

Those positive samples were found in north, east and south Davis between Aug. 6 and Aug. 20, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District.

These are the first positive mosquito samples found in Davis this year, and come two weeks after the district reported the first positive samples in the county, in Winters and Zamora.

Davis locations where West Nile was detected in mosquitoes include Wildhorse near Duchamp Park; near Northstar Park in North Davis; and near Walnut Park in South Davis, according to the city and vector control district.

In response to this week’s findings, the city said ground spraying will continue in parks and open areas as needed in order to reduce mosquito populations and the vector control district will continue to monitor and conduct laboratory surveillance.

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From First Post
August 20, 2019

A deadly beast that might be the size of a speck but poses a threat to more than half the world’s population. This predator, your not so friendly neighbour, is the mosquito that causes so much menace around the world. They are the cause for the spread of many vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and many more and have caused great losses to humanity.

Even with the progress of science and technology that has taken place, mosquitoes take almost 2.7 million lives every year. In the last 30 years, the worldwide incidence of dengue has risen 30-fold. Additionally, more countries have recently reported the outbreaks of Dengue. While the incidence of diseases caused by Aedes aegyptus mosquito continues to rise; the worldwide cases of Malaria has finally reached a stagnation point with just a slight increase in the last 3 years.

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From SCV News
August 19, 2019

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed West Nile virus in four additional mosquito samples from traps in the cities of Carson, Northridge, Reseda and Signal Hill.

This follows the discovery of WNV-infected mosquito samples in Bellflower and Long Beach on July 15 and July 10, respectively.

The first two cases of WNV infections in humans were reported Aug. 5.

Residents are urged to use EPA-registered repellents when spending time outdoors to prevent mosquito bites and WNV illness. Not all repellents are effective against mosquitoes but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents with the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and the summer heat can increase virus activity and mosquito populations. So far this year, 10 WNV human cases have been reported in California, two of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Visit CalSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year’s West Nile virus activity throughout Southern California.

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From the Long Beach Post News
August 19, 2019

From The Orange County Register
August 19, 2019

A female resident of Tustin, in her 50s, is the first human case of West Nile virus reported in Orange County this year, the Orange County Health Care Agency announced Monday, Aug. 19.

Last year, the virus affected 12 people in the county and resulted in one death, according to the Health Care Agency. The first human case reported in 2018 also was a Tustin woman.

On Aug. 5, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that mosquitoes found in Orange, along with nine dead birds discovered in Cypress, Buena Park, Huntington Beach and Tustin, had tested positive for the virus.

Last week, vector control officials said infected mosquitoes also had been found in Buena Park and Santa Ana.

The disease is passed on to humans by infected mosquitoes that contract it from birds.

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From the Debate Report
August 18, 2019

Officials of Fresno County in California have announced and warned the locals that mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus keep appearing in the Central Valley. Mosquito control districts have increased their attempts to control and exterminate the threat.

The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement Control District has begun making use of spray trucks geared with insecticide to spray the targeted areas all around the valley. The Culex species of mosquito is well-known to carry the West Nile Virus, and it is usually active in the evening and over the course of the night. The officials set for the trucks to spray during that specific time.

As per a collaboration between the California Department of Public Health, UC Davis and the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, there have been 319 mosquito samples that were found to be positive for the West Nile Virus in Fresno County thus far this year. The neighboring county, Tulare, has been even worse, having 613 positive tests for the virus until now.

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From the Daily Herald
August 17, 2019

A new study of toddlers exposed to the Zika virus during their mothers’ pregnancies found that nearly a third suffered developmental delays and other problems — even if they were born without the abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains often associated with the virus.

The study of more than 200 babies, published recently in the journal Nature Medicine, also shows that a very small number of children born with the congenital condition known as microcephaly had their symptoms improve. Conversely, a very small number of the children born without symptoms of microcephaly went on to develop it.

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From the Daily Bulletin
August 15, 2019

West Nile virus activity was detected in a sample of mosquitoes in La Verne and Pomona, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Thursday.

The announcement comes 10 days after the announcement of a similar finding in Baldwin Park and Orange.

The vector control district tests female mosquitoes and birds throughout the year for the presence of the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

The West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease that affects Los Angeles County, according to the vector control district website.

Two people were reported to have contracted the virus in late July and are expected to recover, Los Angeles County Public Health officials announced Aug. 5.

Those who contract the virus may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, mild rashes and body aches. Some may experience more severe neurological symptoms as a result of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, leading to paralysis, coma or death, according to the vector control district website.

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From Science Daily
August 14, 2019

New research led by scientists at The Rockefeller University in New York may help explain why Zika virus infection causes birth defects in some children but not others. The study, which will be published August 14 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, suggests that the risk of developing an abnormally small head (microcephaly) depends on the types of antibody produced by pregnant mothers in response to Zika infection.

From Action News Now
August 13, 2019

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – The Butte County Public Health Department has announced the first confirmed human West Nile Virus infection in Butte County.

The infected person is an adult who suffered a fever-like illness.

As of Aug. 9, 2019, 10 human West Nile virus infections have been reported in California, not including the Butte County case. 

The infection is active July through October, with August typically being the peak month in Butte County. 

Health officials want to remind residents of the following tips to avoid contracting the virus:

• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are active, especially at dusk and dawn
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear long pants, and long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes
• Before going outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes
• Eliminate all standing water on your property that can support mosquito-breeding
• Report standing water to Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
• Contact Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live, work, and/or play

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From the Manteca Bulletin
August 13, 2019

The Aedes aegypti mosquito – also known as the mosquito that can carry the Zika virus and other communicable diseases – has officially arrived in San Joaquin County. 

On Monday the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that the invasive species, which was detected in neighboring Stanislaus County last month, was discovered in traps that were set last week just outside of the Stockton gated community of Brookside – prompting a response that includes extensive inspections of the area. 

“Our first goal is to control and limit the presence of this invasive mosquito species,” said Ed Lucchesi, the district’s manager. “We are doing everything possible now to ensure these mosquitoes do not become established in our communities; however, this type of mosquito can be very difficult to eliminate.”

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From ABC 30
August 9, 2019

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Tulare County health officials are investigating four cases of suspected West Nile Virus in residents.

They believe three adults and one child have been affected.

Three are from the Visalia area, and one is from Tulare.

It comes as officials confirmed the Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus, also known as SLEV, has been detected in mosquitoes in Tulare County.

Symptoms of SLEV infection are similar to that of West Nile.

Mosquitoes transmit both illnesses.

Most people don’t even know they’re infected and show no signs of symptoms.

But a small percentage do get symptoms, and they can even be deadly in less than one percent of individuals.

Report mosquito presence (anonymously, if you like) by calling the Delta Vector Control District, or your local vector control agency, toll-free, at 1-877-732-8606 or by reporting online at www.DeltaVCD.com, or on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DeltaVectorControlDistrict), Twitter (@DeltaVCD), or Instagram (@DeltaVCD) accounts.

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From the Manteca Bulletin
August 8, 2019

As if an active population of adult mosquitoes that are testing positive for the West Nile Virus wasn’t enough, San Joaquin County mosquito abatement experts now have to worry about a new type of mosquito that can carry both the Zika virus and other diseases such as dengue fever that has surfaced in neighboring Stanislaus County. 

Last month public health experts warned that a pair of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were discovered in traps on the east side of Modesto – indicating a possible breeding population – which long confirmed the fears of vector control experts that have been waiting for the mosquitoes to work their way north. 

“Now it’s just only a matter of time before we detect them in San Joaquin County,” said San Joaquin Mosquito and Vector Control District spokesman Aaron Devencenzi. “We check the traps that we have in the South County near the border with Stanislaus County regularly, and just recently our guys have more traps in that area so that we can monitor what is happening.”

Unlike the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus – which are active predominantly at dawn and at dusk and are more densely packed in rural areas – the Aedes aegypti mosquito is active during the day and can commonly be found in urban and populated areas. If that wasn’t enough of an issue, Devencenzi said that eradication is extremely difficult because the mosquitoes are able to lay their eggs in only a capful of water, and once they are laid, they are viable even without water present for up to six months. 

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From the Record-Net
August 8, 2019

STOCKTON — An invasive mosquito species not native to California has been detected for the first time in Stockton.

On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District collected the species known as Aedes aegypti from the Brookside neighborhood in west Stockton.

The district has been looking for the species for about four years as it creeps up the San Joaquin Valley, setting up traps throughout the county. They were alerted to its presence this week when a resident called the district to report multiple biting mosquitoes during the day, spokesman Aaron Devencenzi said.

District personnel went to the area, collected the mosquitoes and confirmed they were Aedes aegypti, Devencenzi said.

Aedes aegypti has the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, but it should be noted these viruses are not currently transmitted by mosquitoes in California, according to a statement from the local district.

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From FOX 26 News
August 8, 2019

VISALIA, Calif. (FOX26) — Four cases of suspected West Nile Virus have been reported in Tulare County, according to Tulare County Health.

Three men and one child have caught the virus. Three of those people are from from Visalia, one from Tulare.

Delta Vector Control also reports that St. Louis Encephalitis Virus has been found in Tulare County mosquitoes.

There is currently no vaccine or medication to treat either virus once you have it.

It’s reported that 80% of people that catch West Nile or St. Louis Encephalitis viruses won’t show any symptoms.

Mild symptoms like fever, headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis may occur.

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From the Los Angeles Times
August 6, 2019

Two dead birds that tested positive for West Nile virus were recently found in Huntington Beach, but there have been no confirmed human cases in the county so far this year, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The infected American crows were found in June — one in the area of McFadden Avenue and Bolsa Chica Street and the other near Huntington Beach High School — according to vector control spokeswoman Lora Young.

A total of nine infected birds, including Huntington’s, have been found in the county so far this year. The others were in Cypress, Buena Park and Tustin.

Vector control also collected its first mosquito sample that tested positive for West Nile this year at El Camino Real Park in the city of Orange on July 30. Mosquitoes collected in other area cities haven’t tested positive for the virus, Young said.

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From KESQ
August 5, 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif.- – Mosquito pesticide treatments in the Coachella Valley will be continuing Monday following Friday’s announcement that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Indian Wells for the first time this year.
   
Aerial and truck-mounted mosquito control applications are underway today in Indio, La Quinta and Mecca, and are planned to begin in Palm Springs tomorrow, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
   
While there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in the Coachella Valley this year, 74-year-old Robert Mears of nearby Imperial County was reported to have died of the virus earlier this month. The Vector Control District has also detected St. Louis encephalitis virus in Coachella Valley mosquitoes this year.

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From the Los Angeles Times
August 5, 2019

Two people in Los Angeles County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, in what officials say are the first two cases in the county this year.

Both people became ill with West Nile, which is transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite, late last month and are recovering, officials said Monday. One lives in the San Fernando Valley and the other in the southeastern region of L.A. County, they said.

“We are glad to hear that these two people are recovering from their West Nile fever infections and wish them well. Every year in Los Angeles County, we see cases of West Nile virus infection, which can be serious, even deadly, especially for people over 50 and those who have existing health problems,” L.A. County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “Mosquito bites aren’t just annoying, they may make you sick.”

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From The Orange County Register
August 5, 2019

Mosquitoes found at El Camino Real Park in Orange have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Monday, Aug. 5. The mosquito sample, collected July 30, was the first batch to test positive for the virus in the county in 2019.

The vector control district also announced, Monday, that a total of nine dead birds infected with the disease were found in Cypress, Buena Park, Huntington Beach and Tustin. Given the number of birds infected, “we anticipate we’ll get more positives (in mosquitoes) with West Nile virus throughout the county,” Lora Young, spokeswoman for the vector control district, said.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Orange County this year, according to vector control officials.

However, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, on Monday, confirmed L.A. County’s first two cases of human West Nile virus in 2019. One resident of the San Fernando Valley and another in the southeastern portion of the county contracted the virus in late July and are in recovery.

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From the Sacramento Bee
August 3, 2019

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is offering free mosquito repellent to community groups planning outdoor activities for the National Night Out on Tuesday. All you have to do is schedule pickup.

Mosquitoes carry the deadly West Nile virus and can transmit it to birds, humans and other mammals when they bite them. The district reported that, in Sacramento County, seven dead birds and 11 mosquito samples have tested positive for the deadly West Nile virus this year. Placer County also reported a positive mosquito sample, but neither El Dorado nor Yolo counties has found evidence of activity this year.

“We know many people will be outside for this event, and we want to remind the public that personal protection against mosquitoes is critical in the prevention of West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free repellent we are offering as part of our public outreach program.”

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From Los Angeles Fox 11
August 2, 2019

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) – Another batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes has been collected in Bellflower.

According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District this is the second group of infected insects captured in the county this year.

Vector-control officials noted that West Nile activity was off to a slow start in the county, but warned the warm weather still to come will likely exacerbate matters.

The district noted that 445 positive mosquito samples have been collected in Southern California.

The first positive sample in the county was found in mid-July in Long Beach. West Nile is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms from contracting the disease can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, according to the department.

The symptoms can last for several days to months.

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From ABC 10
August 2, 2019

MODESTO, California — Two aedes aegypti mosquitoes are now held in containers at the East Side Mosquito Abatement District Headquarters in Modesto.

“Not a major surprise that they are here because the population takes awhile to build up to a number where we can catch them in our traps,” said Dr. Wakoli Wekesa, who is the new manager of the East Side Mosquito Abatement District.

He has 30 years of studying mosquitoes across California, having worked in other mosquito control districts.

He says the aedes egypti mosquito has been found in California for years and has been steadily progressing its way northward from Southern California.

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From MyNewsLA.com
August 2, 2019

Another batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes was collected in Bellflower, the second group of infected insects captured in the county this year, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District announced Friday.

Vector-control officials noted that West Nile activity was off to a slow start in the county, but warned the warm weather still to come will likely exacerbate matters. The district noted that 445 positive mosquito samples have been collected in Southern California outside of the county.

The first positive sample in the county was found in mid-July in Long Beach.

West Nile is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms from contracting the disease can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, according to the department. The symptoms can last for several days to months.

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