From the Chico Enterprise-Record
August 31, 2021

CHICO — In Butte County, seven new pools of West Nile virus have been found while four sentinel chickens have tested positive for the virus. The West Nile virus has resulted in one death in Butte County so far this year.

Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District said the virus is considered “widespread” among mosquitoes in the county with this year seeing 76 positive pools. The highest year on record was 2015 when 101 mosquito pools with active cases of West Nile virus were found.

“2015 was the fourth year of the drought,” said Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Matt Ball. “One would think droughts mean less mosquitoes therefore there should be less virus. Well, here in Butte County, droughts actually mean propagation of the virus and it means more artificial water, flooding and irrigating sooner than natural weather. We actually see more mosquitoes and more virus on drought years than when we get a nice cool wet spring.”

Read more

From the VC Star
August 30, 2021

A bird collected in Simi Valley has become the first of 2021 to test positive for the West Nile virus in Ventura County, health officials said Monday.

The Ventura County Environmental Health Division said the bird was collected in the city during the third week of August. The California Department of Public Health recently confirmed the positive test result.

The division monitors mosquito-breeding sources in the county and said the area where the infected bird was found will be inspected and treated if necessary.

Read more

From CBS SF Bay Area
August 27, 2021

SANTA CLARA COUNTY (BCN) — Some adult mosquitos in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara have tested positive for the West Nile virus, following positive test results among mosquitos in Gilroy.

Santa Clara County’s Vector Control District confirmed this week that West Nile virus-ridden mosquitos were found in portions of the 94086, 94087 and 95051 ZIP codes.

To prevent its spread to humans, truck-mounted spray treatment has been scheduled in the area. Weather permitting, the treatment will start at 10 p.m. on Monday and take a few hours to complete.

Read more

From Pasadena Now
August 25, 2021

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) will teach local residents about mosquito prevention techniques, including choosing the right repellent through an online webinar this week.

According to SGVMVCD communications director Levy Sun, the mosquito control district has decided to hold the “Bite Back Tour” webinar as the expected warmer weather in cities across the San Gabriel Valley, including Pasadena, may bring a rise in mosquito and West Nile Virus activity.

The SGVMVCD will make stops in cities across the San Gabriel Valley to show residents how they can best protect themselves from mosquitoes, according to Sun.

“This is the first year we conducted this tour in response to people wanting access to mosquito safety information in a virtual on-demand and live format,” said Sun.

Read more

From the Santa Clara County News
August 24, 2021

From the Merced County Times
August 22, 2021

Merced County Department of Public Health officials notified Merced County Mosquito Abatement District (District) that a male in his 60s contracted West Nile Virus (WNV) fever in the City of Merced. This is the first human case of WNV in the County this year. In addition to the human case, the District has detected WNV in one (1) sentinel chicken, one (1) mosquito pooled sample, and one (1) dead bird to date in Merced County. As of Aug. 6, 2021, eight (8) human cases have been confirmed in California.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. County residents are encouraged to continue their efforts to reduce mosquito breeding and WNV prevention by taking the following steps:

• Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk).
• Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET when outdoors, according to label
  instructions. In addition to DEET-based products, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends insect repellant containing oil of lemon eucalyptus and Picaridin.

Read more

From Fox 5
August 19, 2021

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — Residents who live in part of California’s Central Valley say they are hoping a slight increase in their property taxes will mean getting a break from an invasive species of mosquito.

According to the Delta Mosquito Vector Control District, “Aedes aegypti” is an invasive species of mosquito that have made its way into many counties in California. They are aggressive, day-biters found both indoors and outdoors, and they especially like to feed on ankles, wrists, and elbows.

Read more

From Westside Connect
August 19, 2021

The Merced County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus in the county. 

A man in his 60s contracted West Nile Virus fever in Merced. This is the first human case of WNV in the county this year. 

In addition to the human case, the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District has detected WNV in one sentinel chicken, one mosquito pooled sample, and one dead bird. 

As of Aug. 6, eight human cases have been confirmed in California. 

Read more

From the Sacramento Bee
August 13, 2021

The invasive species of mosquitoes that were reported flying through California were spotted in Sutter County this week, public health officials announced.

The Aedes aegypti, also called the “ankle biter,” were detected in the Yuba City area Wednesday, according to a news release from the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District (SYMVCD).

The release said the mosquitoes, if spotted, will look unfamiliar to most people. A quarter-inch long, these black-and-white-striped mosquitoes are stealthy and aggressive biters during the day, and they lay eggs that look like small black seeds. Diseases control experts say the mosquitoes carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever.

Read more

From NBC Los Angeles
August 8, 2021

The first batch of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in Orange County this year have been found in Fullerton, officials said Friday.

The samples were taken on Tuesday and the test results came back positive Thursday evening, said Heather Hyland, public information officer of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The samples were recovered at Chapman Avenue and Ladera Vista Drive and Woodcrest and Richman avenues.

Mosquitoes get infected from birds and then pass it on to humans.

Read more

From the Oakdale Leader
August 6, 2021

Stanislaus County Public Health has confirmed the first human West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the county. An adult female was diagnosed with West Nile fever (non-neuroinvasive disease). The first pools of mosquitoes in the county tested positive for West Nile virus on June 11, 2021.

West Nile virus spreads to people and animals through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Hot weather, abandoned swimming pools, and standing water create ideal conditions for the development of mosquitoes and the subsequent spread of the virus. About one in five people will develop West Nile fever with symptoms of headache, fever, and fatigue. However, some people (less than one percent) will develop serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop serious illness when infected with WNV. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness. There is no specific treatment for WNV disease. 

Read more

From ABC7
August 5, 2021

Health officials in Ventura County have detected an invasive mosquito capable of transmitting several viruses, like yellow fever and Zika.

There is no confirmed transmission of the diseases in our state but experts say you still want to avoid being bitten.

Since September of last year, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been found in several communities including Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Oak View, Oxnard, and now Ojai.

Health officials warn the public to take steps to avoid mosquito bites and to avoid providing breeding places for mosquitoes in standing water, such as bird baths and fountains and other outdoor locations where water may pool and become stagnant.

Read more

From ABC7
August 5, 2021

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) — The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is seeing a greater number of “ankle biter” mosquitoes this summer.

Lora Young, the director of communications for OCMVCD, said these pesky pests are mostly noticeable because they’re the ones causing pain throughout Southern California.

“Especially with the Aedes mosquito. They’re a very aggressive day-biting mosquito and they prefer to bite people where our other mosquitoes prefer to bite birds,” Young said.

Young said numbers for the southern house mosquito – that’s the one able to carry West Nile Virus – are trending about average when compared to the last five years.

Read more

From NBC Palm Springs
August 5, 2021

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were discovered in La Quinta, officials announced Thursday.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from traps near Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“It’s not worth the risk. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to make you sick.” said Tammy Gordon, a district spokeswoman. “Know your risk and wear insect repellent to reduce the risk of getting sick.”

So far this year, district technicians have collected mosquitoes infected with WNV from nine traps, mostly on the northern edge of the Salton Sea in the communities of Mecca and North Shore.

Read more

From the Benicia Patch
August 4, 2021

From the Lake County News
August 3, 2021

LAKEPORT, Calif. — For the first time this year, mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County.

The mosquitoes, Culex tarsalis (western encephalitis mosquito), were collected in traps near Upper Lake on July 21, the Lake County Vector Control District reported.

“West Nile virus activity is increasing statewide, including in Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “This serves as a reminder to avoid mosquito bites to avoid West Nile virus.”

Scott said mosquitoes thrive in still water. Dump out or drain water in backyard water sources, or contact the district for free mosquito-eating fish for water that can’t be drained, like unmaintained (green) swimming pools and spas, ornamental ponds, or animal watering troughs, she advised residents.

Read more

From the Modesto Bee
August 3, 2021

Stanislaus County announced its first human case of West Nile virus this year, a woman with a moderate form of the disease.

The age and hometown of the woman were not disclosed in Tuesday’s news release from county Public Health. It urged residents to guard against the mosquitoes that carry the virus.

California had four other symptomatic infections this year as of July 30, according to the weekly update from the state Department of Public Health. They include a person who died in San Luis Obispo County and nonfatal cases in Shasta, Fresno and Kern counties.

Read more

From the Mountain News
July 28, 2021

Mosquitoes in Needles Also Tested Positive
San Bernardino County Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions after a bird carcass collected in Lake Arrowhead and a collection of mosquitoes from Needles tested positive for West Nile virus.
The Steller’s jay, collected on July 5, is the first positive case of 2021 within the area served by the County Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP). In the same week, a collection of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in the city of Needles. MVCP is taking steps to eliminate mosquito breeding hazards.
People bitten by an infected mosquito may develop West Nile fever and experience flu-like symptoms which may include fever, body aches, skin rash, and fatigue. In some people, West Nile fever can develop into a more serious form of the disease. If you have been bitten by mosquitoes and are experiencing these symptoms, contact your medical care provider as soon as possible.

Read more

From Pasadena Now
July 26, 2021

A local mosquito control official is urging the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and intensify their mosquito prevention measures at home after West Nile virus was detected for the first time in Pasadena in 2021.

Levy Sun, communications director of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD), on Monday confirmed the detection of the virus in mosquito samples collected from traps set in Eaton Blanche Park in Pasadena.

Sun noted that this is the first time in three years that officials detected the West Nile virus in Pasadena.

The announcement comes a week after the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) announced the detection of the virus in its service area.

“We detected a West Nile virus in the community around Eaton Blanche Park,” Sun said.

Read more

From SCV News
July 26, 2021

Mosquito samples collected from mosquito traps in three Los Angeles County cities tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials confirmed Thursday.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District collected samples from mosquito traps in Bellflower (90706), Studio City (91602) and Tarzana (91356), confirming the presence of the virus in mosquito populations within the community.

While this confirmation serves as the District’s first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool this year, virus activity has been increasing steadily throughout California, including other vector control jurisdictions within the County.

Read more

From the Antelope Valley Press
July 24, 2021

From Action News Now
July 23, 2021

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. – An adult is the first person to test postive for the West Nile Virus in Shasta County this season, according to Shasta Health and Human Services and the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. 

The infected person is recovering at home. 

West Nile Virus is almost always transmitted to people from the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be passed through contact with other people or other animals, according to Shasta HHSA. 

“West Nile virus is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes in Shasta County. Checking your yard regularly for standing water and protecting yourself from mosquito bites by using an EPA approved insect repellent can dramatically reduce your risk of contracting the disease,” District Manager of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Peter Bonkrude said. 

Read more

From Market Research Telecast
July 24, 2021

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District in the USA (GLACVCD) this Thursday the confirmation of the first samples of West Nile virus (WNV) carrier mosquitoes, found this year in the area.

In addition, the entity’s officials indicated that virus activity has steadily increased throughout California. Positive samples were collected from insect traps located in Bellflower, Studio City, and Tarzana, confirming the presence of the virus in mosquito populations within the community.

WNV is a virus transmitted by mosquito bites that causes disease in humans, horses, and birds, which can even be lethal.

Susanne Kluh, director of Scientific-Technical Services at GLACVCD, mentioned that “the West Nile virus is detected every summer by local public health agencies because it is endemic to Los Angeles County. “

Read more

From KTLA5
July 23, 2021

For the first time this year, mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Los Angeles County, officials said Thursday.

The confirmed samples were from mosquito traps in Bellflower (90706), Studio City (91602), and Tarzana (91356), according to a news release from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. In addition to the mosquitos, a dead bird found in Valley Village also tested positive.

More samples have been collected, but the results of those are pending.

The discovery of the infected mosquitoes comes amid a steady uptick in West Nile virus activity throughout California recently, according to officials. They noted that the virus is endemic to L.A. County and is detected each summer.

Read more

From the Merced Sun-Star
July 21, 2021

A dead bird located near Merced County’s border with Stanislaus County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Merced County Mosquito Abatement District.

The dead bird was found in the Turlock area, and the district was alerted to the positive test by the Merced County Department of Public Health.

It’s the first time the virus has been detected in Merced County this year.

Read more

From Action News Now
July 19, 2021

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – 24 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus, as 18 of them tested positive in the last week, the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District (BCMVC) said.

The BCMVC said the mosquitos carrying the virus have been found to be widespread on the valley floor of Butte County.

The mosquitos have been collected from Gridley to Hamilton City.

The BCMVC is urging people to drain all unneeded standing water and report any mosquito-breeding sites.

People are also urged to protect themselves from bites by wearing effective repellent, avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn, and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants.

“With increased WNV activity being reported and identified by neighboring counties and the widespread distribution locally, it’s crucial that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Doug Weseman, BCMVC Assistant Manager.

Read more

From Imperial Valley Press
July 17, 2021

IMPERIAL COUNTY — Two local mosquito pools have tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis, the Imperial County Public Health Department announced Friday.

One of the mosquito pools was collected in El Centro near West Main Road just east of Austin Road. The other was in Imperial near the area of La Paz Drive and Puerto Vallarta Avenue. The samples were collected on Tuesday and results were received Friday.

“ As temperatures increase, so do mosquito populations and disease risk, which poses a serious public health threat in our communities,” said Imperial County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday. “Residents are strongly encouraged to check around properties and yards for mosquito breeding sources.”

The Public Health Department’s Vector Control Program has approximately 36 mosquito traps placed in strategic areas throughout the county, mostly within city limits. The traps are checked several times a week and mosquito pools are collected weekly.

Read more

From Yahoo News
July 17, 2021

The Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District has detected the first evidence of West Nile virus in Sutter County for 2021.

According to a press release, a mosquito sample recently collected in Meridian tested positive for the virus. A second sample collected west of Yuba City on Daphne Lane has also tested positive.

There have been no detections of the virus in dead birds, sentinel chicken flocks or humans, according to the press release.

Mosquito populations of the West Nile virus vector are lower than historically normal, however, production has increased with hot daytime temperatures.

Read more

From NBC Los Angeles
July 15, 2021

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were discovered in the east Coachella Valley community of Mecca, officials announced Thursday.

The infected mosquitoes were collected from a trap near Johnson Street and Avenue 70, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“As temperatures increase, so do mosquitoes,” said Tammy Gordon, a district spokeswoman. “When mosquito numbers rise, disease risk also increases. Wearing EPA-approved repellent lowers your chance of being bitten and getting sick.”

Vector control officials said this was the first positive test in the eastern Coachella Valley in 2021. It was not immediately clear whether there were other infected mosquitos discovered countywide.

Read more

From the Turlock Journal
July 14, 2021

As the temperature climbs and mosquito activity increases, local health departments are reminding residents to take precautions against catching West Nile virus, as the California Department of Public Health reported the first death from West Nile Virus for the season.

The death was reported in San Luis Obispo County.

“West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer.

As of July 9, WNV has been detected in 45 dead birds from 6 counties and 177 mosquito samples from 13 counties. Hot temperatures this month are contributing to increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the increased risk of virus transmission to humans. So far this season, activity is within expected levels. The risk of disease due to WNV usually increases at this time of year and is highest throughout the summer and early fall.

Read more

From Pasadena Now
July 13, 2021

Following the first reported death from the West Nile virus in California this year, local mosquito control officials are telling people what they can to prevent contracting the deadly mosquito-borne virus.

That includes eliminating all sources of standing water by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers so the virus-carrying mosquito wouldn’t have anywhere to breed.

The California Department of Public Health (CPDH) said the death occurred in San Luis Obispo County on Friday, July 9.

“West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health.

Read more

From the Sierra Sun Times
July 11, 2021

July 11, 2021 – SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced last Friday the first confirmed death in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The death occurred in San Luis Obispo County.

“West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. As of July 9, WNV has been detected in 45 dead birds from 6 counties and 177 mosquito samples from 13 counties. Hot temperatures this month are contributing to increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the increased risk of virus transmission to humans. So far this season, activity is within expected levels. The risk of disease due to WNV usually increases at this time of year and is highest throughout the summer and early fall.

Read more

From KGET
July 10, 2021

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Some say the scorching weather is doing one good thing for Kern county. That would be decreasing the activity of one annoying nuisance, the anklebiter. Also known as, mosquitos.

Kern county averages 25 West Nile infections a year, with last year being an outlier of eight recorded infections. Officials from Kern Mosquito and Vector Control said the decrease is either because more people used sunscreen or because there were less people outside during the pandemic.

The heat affects bugs just like how it affects people too. The bugs become less active during the hotter times of the day and instead look for shelter. However, Terry Knight from Vector Control said the mosquitos look like they have adapted.

Read more

From Your Central Valley
July 8, 2021

FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE) – The life-cycle of a mosquito tends to speed up in warmer temperatures.  Generations of mosquitoes are multiplying faster in the Valley heat and surveillance shows local numbers quickly increasing.

Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District biologist Chenoa Defreece says, “Our concern of course with increasing temperatures is that mosquitoes become adults quicker, as well as that, helps with the transmission of diseases. As you have more mosquitoes out, they’re biting other individuals, and perpetuating possible disease outbreaks.”

Mosquito monitoring and testing in Fresno County has been positive for West Nile Virus 21 times this year.  A horse in Fresno County also tested positive for the virus.

Read more

From the Sonoma County Gazette
July 6, 2021

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed finding the first dead bird infected with West Nile virus for 2021. The American Crow was collected near Country Club Drive and Piezzi Road in Santa Rosa and is the first detection of West Nile virus in Sonoma County for the 2021 season.

“Mosquitoes that feed on West Nile virus infected birds can become infected with the virus and then transmit it to humans,” stated Dr. Kelly Liebman, Scientific Programs Manager for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. “This dead bird is a reminder that West Nile virus is present in our communities, and that residents should continue to practice personal protection measures against mosquitoes.”

District staff will continue to trap, test, and monitor the abundance of adult mosquitoes in the area and perform control operations as necessary. Vector control technicians are also inspecting all known sources of mosquito production and checking for new sources.

Read more

From KRCR
July 3, 2021

ANDERSON, Calif. — Positive tests from samples of adult mosquitos in the Anderson and Shingletown area confirm the West Nile virus has returned to Shasta county.

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMVCD) said in a press release Saturday that the positive tests came from routine collections as part of their surveillance program. The district is now attempting to decrease mosquito populations through ground treatments in areas where the positive mosquitos were found. They are also continuing their widespread mosquito trapping and testing to monitor virus activity.

“These positive samples are earlier when compared to previous years, but the higher temperatures can increase virus transmission rates in mosquitoes,” says Peter Bonkrude, SMVCD Manager. “The next few weeks are showing above-average temperatures that are conducive to mosquito production and virus transmission, so people need to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

Read more

From Action News Now
July 1, 2021

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – West Nile Virus (WNV) is now active in Butte County according to the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District on Thursday.

Three groups of mosquitoes in various areas throughout Butte County were tested and confirmed to be positive for the virus.

The positive tests are the first confirmed incidents of WNV in Butte County this year.

Since 2004, 253 residents have been infected with the virus, nine of which have died.

Read more

From Bakersfield Now
June 23, 2021

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District hosted an information event in recognition of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.

They provided methods on how residents can reduce mosquitoes in and around homes and businesses.

Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sources Around Your Home:

• Maintain swimming pools (prevent the water from turning green)
• Stock ponds and water troughs with mosquito fish. Contact Kern Mosquito & Vector Control.
• Remove standing water from all items around your home: flower pots, fountains, bird baths, wading pools, pet bowls, gardening tools and toys.
• Clean/Scrub all containers that collect water weekly to remove remaining eggs.
• Last year, Kern residents were faced with a new breed of mosquito, the Aedes aegypti, which is considered to be an especially aggressive breed as it can bite a person several times while it is feeding.

Kern Vector Control received almost 4,000 calls from residents requesting services because of mosquitoes in or near their homes and the bites they were receiving.

Read more