West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. File photo

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after detecting additional West Nile virus activity throughout Yuba and Sutter counties.

Mosquito samples collected in recent weeks tested positive for West Nile virus, along with two dead birds and three sentinel chicken flocks used to monitor mosquito-borne diseases.

"The virus is now considered widespread in mosquitoes throughout the valley floor in Sutter and Yuba Counties," District Manager Stephen Abshier said.

The district said there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in either county, but officials consider the risk of infection elevated because of the widespread mosquito activity.

The warning comes as West Nile virus activity continues to increase across California. According to the California Department of Public Health, 11 human cases have been reported statewide this year in seven counties. The state has also confirmed 251 infected dead birds, 1,001 positive mosquito samples, two infected sentinel chicken flocks and two infected horses.

Mosquito surveillance remains in full operation in Yuba and Sutter counties, and mosquito control efforts are being expanded in areas where the virus has been detected.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected never develop symptoms, but about one in five may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or a skin rash. Symptoms generally appear three to 14 days after an infected mosquito bite.

In rare cases, the virus can affect the brain or nervous system, causing encephalitis or meningitis. Older adults, particularly those age 55 and older, and people with certain medical conditions face the greatest risk of severe illness.

Abshier encouraged residents to remember the district's four "D's" for preventing mosquito bites: defend yourself with EPA-registered insect repellent, avoid outdoor exposure during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, keep door and window screens in good repair and drain standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Officials also recommend checking around homes and yards for common mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes can reproduce in as little as one-half inch of standing water, meaning even small amounts left in containers can produce mosquitoes. Residents should regularly clean gutters, empty flowerpot saucers, change water in birdbaths, drain children's wading pools, repair leaking faucets, remove water from buckets and toys, drill drainage holes in tire swings and keep ponds and swimming pools properly maintained.

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health at www.westnile.ca.gov or by calling 877-968-2473.

Additional information is available from the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District at www.sutter-yubamvcd.org.