Community Corner
Mosquitos Infected with West Nile Virus Found in Tri-Valley
County Mosquito Abatement District officials say the mosquitos found on the southeastern part of Livermore on July 3 are the first in the county to test positive for the virus for 2014.
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District has received confirmation from the state of a West Nile virus positive mosquito pool.
The group of mosquitoes was collected from the southeastern part of
Livermore on the night of July 3, 2014. Our ongoing mosquito surveillance and larviciding program has been intensified in the area. Alameda County last detected West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in 2009.
Alameda County, along with the rest of California, has seen an increase in West Nile virus activity this year compared to last.
Related article: County Officials Say West Nile Virus Activity Increasing
To date, eight American Crows and one group of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in Alameda County. Last year at this time, the District had three West Nile virus positive birds.
District Manager Chindi Peavey said, "Since the virus activity is increasing
in our county, residents should take all the precautions available against
West Nile virus. Use repellent and wear long sleeves and long pants when
going outside; put screens on your windows and doors; get rid of any
standing water in your backyard."
As of July 16th, California has had 636 dead birds, 520 mosquito samples, 9
sentinel chickens, and 11 humans test positive for West Nile virus. The
bird, mosquito, and human numbers are all higher than this time last year.
Reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these
guidelines:
- DUMP/DRAIN standing water on your property because that's where mosquitoes develop.
- DAWN/DUSK is when mosquito activity peaks so limit outdoor activities during this time.
- DEFEND yourself when mosquitoes are biting by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- DOOR/window screens should be in good repair with no tears or holes.
infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus. Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Adults over 50 years old and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of serious complications.
Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Since horses are very susceptible to West Nile virus and vaccines are available, horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians immediately about timely vaccinations.
For information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus visit our website:
www.mosquitoes.org. Residents can request mosquitofish for their fish ponds, horse troughs, etc. by contacting our District office.
We are located in Hayward at 23187 Connecticut St. Our phone number is (510) 783-7744. For information concerning West Nile virus symptoms, prevention or testing please contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510) 267-8001.
—Information provided by the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
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