From Zika News
September 29, 2019

September 28th, 2019 – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently reported 25 travel-associated Zika virus infections in California residents during 2019.

Within California, the CDPH has confirmed on September 6, 2019, persons exposed through travel to an affected Zika virus area or contact with a traveler includes these cities:

• Berkeley = 8
• Long Beach = 12
• Pasadena = 2

This new CDPH information is actually good news when compared with 2018 when 68 travel-associated Zika cases were confirmed in California.

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From Zika News
September 25, 2019

September 25th, 2019 – A new study found the number and risk of Congenital Zika virus infections for international travelers returning to England and Wales from Zika-affected countries were very small.

Published on September 4, 2019, this study reported 16 women were diagnosed with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy in the UK during 2016. 

Among the offspring of these women, there was laboratory evidence of Zika infection in only 1 child.

This is very good news since in 2015 and 2016, around 980,000 million UK women of childbearing age traveled to countries affected by the ZIKV outbreaks.  

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From KTLA 5
September 24, 2019

A third person has died of Eastern equine encephalitis in Massachusetts, raising the reported death toll from the rare mosquito-borne illness to eight nationwide.

The victim is among the 10 confirmed human cases of the illness previously reported in Massachusetts, the state’s Department of Public Health said Monday.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but potentially fatal illness caused by mosquito bites. Typically, five to 10 human cases are reported every year, with about 30% of all cases resulting in death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We continue to emphasize the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said in a news release last week. “It is absolutely essential that people take steps to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.”

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From OC Weekly
September 23, 2019

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is still seeing “high levels” of West Nile Virus activity in North Orange County, the agency said Monday.

“OCMVCD routine tests of mosquito samples indicated additional WNV positive mosquito samples found in a 4 square mile area that includes portions of the cities of Anaheim (1 Sq. Mile), Buena Park (0.3 Sq. Miles), Cypress (0.77 Sq. Miles), and Stanton (1.88 Sq. Miles),” states a Sept. 23 OCMVCD news release. “The increase of WNV positive mosquito samples indicates an increased risk for residents to become infected with WNV through a mosquito bite.”

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From the Desert Sun
September 23, 2019

Two invasive species of mosquitoes that can carry Zika, dengue, yellow fever and other dangerous viruses are spreading in California — and have been found as far north as Sacramento and Placer counties.

There are now 16 counties where Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, has been detected, according to the state Department of Public Health. Five of those counties have also detected Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito.

These mosquitoes, distinguished from other species because they primarily sip human blood during the day instead of at night, can spread the Zika virus, which infected more than 1 million people during an epidemic that began in 2015 in Brazil. The virus also can spread during sex.

More than 3,000 babies were born with microcephaly in Brazil during the epidemic. Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than expected, and can occur because the baby’s brain has not developed properly.

From Yale News
September 23, 2019

The ways our changing physical and social environment have shaped the emergence of infectious diseases around the world was the focus of a talk by Yale epidemiologist Dr. Albert Icksang Ko on Sept. 5 at Yale Center Beijing.

Ko, who is chair of the Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health and professor of medicine (infectious diseases) at the Yale School of Medicine, also told an audience of Yale alumni and friends about how researchers at Yale are applying innovation and novel analytical approaches to develop solutions for these new global health threats.

Ko began his talk by looking back at the history and development of the field of public health. He pointed to the increase in life expectancy and the decrease in childhood mortality as clear signs of the global progress made over the last few decades in combating infectious diseases. Much of this progress can be credited to simple solutions like vaccines and oral rehydration therapy, he said.

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From KLKN-TV
September 23, 2019

From News 18
September 17, 2019

Libby Nance, Mosquito Abatement District Manager of Moab in Utah, is warning residents to drain or dump standing water on their property due to the presence of a new invasive mosquito known as Aedes aegypti, or the “yellow fever mosquito,” which can carry the Zika virus and yellow and dengue fever.

Zika virus is mosquito-borne, primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening.

This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.

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From KTVL
September 16, 2019

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (KCBY) — Rain showers mixed with warm evenings this September has resulted in clouds of biting mosquitoes scattered around Coos County, particularly noted around Myrtle Point and Coquille, Coos Health & Wellness officials said Friday.

“The nuisance will continue until water temperatures are cold enough to stop eggs and juveniles from emerging from the water as biting mosquitoes,” officials said. “Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease. As long as evening temperatures stay warm, consider it worth the effort to inspect your yard and dump out water from any containers that can produce mosquitoes such as buckets, flowerpots, bird baths, old tires and even clogged rain gutters.”

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From Bakersfield.com
September 16, 2019

From Champion Newspapers
September 14, 2019

From ABC30
September 13, 2019

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Merced County has reported its first human case of West Nile Virus infection this year.

The patient is expected to fully recover, officials said.

So far in 2019, there have been 62 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus infection in California.

This summer, mosquitoes carrying the virus have popped up across the Central Valley, and mosquito control districts have been ramping up their efforts.

Authorities encourage people to do their part by clearing standing water from their property to keep mosquitoes from breeding (that includes small containers of water, dishes under potted plants, animal water dishes, etc.).

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From Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
September 12, 2019

While it has primarily faded from mainstream news, Zika is still active in many parts of the world. Even if the mosquito apocalypse that many feared never actually happened, the risk still largely remains for pregnant women and hopeful-to-conceive parents.

Ob/gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, discusses what you need to know about Zika.

The Zika threat has decreased, but it’s still there

“Zika is still a threat for some travelers, but there’s been a big decrease over the past two years of reported Zika transmission,” explains Dr. Goje. “Zika is not an epidemic in the U.S., but there are still some countries with active Zika.”

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From the Canyon News
September 12, 2019

WOODLAND HILLS—The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District released information to the public concerning an outbreak of the West Nile Virus in Southern California.

Officials say infected mosquito samples were collected in four new areas: Montebello, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier, and Woodland Hills. The control district revealed the details to the public to serve as an early warning system in the detection of mosquito-borne viruses that can infect people and animals.

According to Los Angeles’ CVCD, the summer heat can increase West Nile Virus activity and mosquito populations. According to a press release from the LA CVCD, 57 West Nile Virus human cases have been reported in California; four of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The West Nile Virus has no cure and is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. One in five people infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash which can last for several days to months. Over 1 in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization.

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From Monterey County Weekly
September 11, 2019

At first glance, it appears as if Vince Sanchez is looking at a cup of water with a floating clump of dirt inside. It’s only through a microscope that the particles – some 200 eggs – come into focus.

These eggs will hatch within a few days into larvae, wiggly spindles barely large enough to see with the naked eye. They’ll live at the surface of a pool of water for several days, shedding their skin four times before molting and changing into a pupa. It’s here that an insect grows before splitting open the pupa casing, emerging as an adult.

It’s a metamorphosis story, but not for a beautiful animal. It’s the life cycle of a mosquito to adulthood, and adults will eat nectar from flowers. According to experiences of pest control milwaukee, it’s only the females that bite, sucking blood for protein to use for their eggs to repeat the whole cycle again.

In hot Central Valley summers, the whole process, from egg to adult, happens in as little as four days; in Monterey County, it’s generally closer to two weeks. Keeping them cold can slow the process down to two months, so Sanchez – the public education coordinator for the Northern Salinas Valley Mosquito Abatement District – keeps a refrigerator of large Tupperware containers of water, where he’s cooling and slowing the life cycle. The larvae make for good educational props.

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From the Yale Daily News
September 10, 2019

Using only data collected from travelers to Cuba, researchers at Yale, Scripps Research Institute and Florida Gulf Coast University detected an outbreak of the Zika virus in Cuba in 2017 that had not been previously reported.

In the study, incidence rates of Zika among travelers to Cuba were used to estimate the incidence rates among Cuban locals. After comparing Zika incidence rates in travelers and locals in Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and other countries, the researchers were able to use Zika incidence rates of travelers to Cuba to estimate the number of local Zika cases in Cuba.

“While the methods we used have been used before, the combination of methods that we used made this study the first to have reconstructed an outbreak without any data from local sources,” said Nathan Grubaugh, epidemiology professor at the Yale School of Public Health and corresponding author of the study.

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From Action News Now
September 9, 2019

TEHAMA COUNTY, Calif. – The Tehama County Mosquito Vector Control District says two of their test chickens have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Mike Robinson, assistant manager for vector control says they have three flocks of sentinel chickens, 10 in Corning, 10 in Red Bluff and 10 near Cottonwood.

One of the infected chickens came from the flock in Corning and the other infected chicken came from Red Bluff.

Robinson says this is not a huge indicator that the virus is spreading to humans.

There are no human cases of the West Nile Virus for 2019 in Tehama County, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Robinson says they test their chickens every two weeks by getting a blood sample from each of them.

Robinson says his team does his best to kill mosquitoes by spraying them at dusk time in populated areas of the county.

He also says to be aware of your surroundings when you’re outside.

It only takes a half-inch of standing water for mosquitoes to breed.

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From KESQ
September 9, 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. – Have you noticed an invasion of little, flying, black bugs over the last few weeks? 

Experts say they’re called Charcoal Seed Bugs — and they’re nothing to worry about. 

We’re seeing higher populations than normal due to the high amount of rain seen in the valley this year. The bugs feed on plants and seeds — so more rain means more food for them to eat. 

They don’t bite, but tourists and business owners say they can be a nuisance, swarming storefronts in downtown Palm Springs, swimming pools and even the airport. 

For Bill Lewis, a sales associate at the shop Only in Palm Springs, clearing the seed bugs out has become a daily routine. 

“We have to sweep the store 2-3 times a day because they get stepped on and then their corpses are just everywhere and it’s disgusting,” Lewis said. 

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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.

Read more

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.

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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

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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.

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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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