West Nile activity grows in North Sacramento; aerial treatments may be next

The Sacramento Yolo Mosquito Vector Control District has discovered a growing trend of West Nile activity in North Sacramento. Below is a news release from the district:

WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY GROWS IN NORTH SACRAMENTO
–Aerial spraying is being considered

Elk Grove, Calif.— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has been monitoring areas of North Sacramento county where many mosquito samples and dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. “We are keeping a close eye on this area because over the past week virus activity has intensified” said David Brown, District Manager. “If infection rates continue to be high, we will consider doing aerial spraying in order to interrupt the virus transmission cycle and ensure public health” said Brown.
The District will continue to do mosquito trapping and testing to determine if aerial spraying will be necessary. In the meantime, cooperation from the public is needed ”If you’re going to be outside when mosquitoes are active, please don’t take any chances and protect yourself by wearing mosquito repellent, this will go a long way in preventing mosquito bites,” said Brown.

The area being evaluated is approximately 45,000 acres of North Sacramento from the Sacramento/Placer county line on the north, to Fair Oaks Blvd and Grand Ave on the South and from the railroad tracks near the east levee drainage canal on the west to Sunrise Blvd on the east (see the attached map). If aerial spraying is necessary, the product that will be used is Evergreen 60-6, an insecticide approved for use in mosquito control by the Environmental Protection Agency and the same material used in previous treatments.

View a dynamic map

Recently, the District conducted aerial spraying to combat mosquitoes and West Nile virus over South Sacramento. Preliminary results show that general abundance of mosquitoes decreased significantly in the area sprayed as compared to the number of mosquitoes seen the week before and in comparison to untreated areas.

The District will continue to monitor activity in the area through widespread mosquito trapping and testing. If a decision is made to proceed with aerial treatments, media will be notified immediately so information can be disseminated to the public. Residents can subscribe to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net and go to Spray Notifications. Information for current treatments planned is also available on the District website.

2010 West Nile virus activity update:

Level 2–Sacramento County: 44 dead birds, 0 sentinel chickens, 87 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

Level 2–Yolo County: 4 dead birds, 0 sentinel chicken, 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus to date

Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:
DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors.
DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside.
DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions!
DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.
DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

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