West Nile Virus Activity Increases in California

Jul 5, 2007

As of July 5, 25 counties have detected West Nile Virus (WNV) activity. Three human WNV cases have been reported in Kern County and two equine cases in Sonoma County.

Surveillance for WNV in 2007 has identified 159 West Nile Virus positive dead birds from 20 counties, four flocks of WNV positive sentinel chickens in three counties and 72 WNV positive mosquito pools from nine counties. These surveillance numbers could indicate that the mosquito and vector control agencies may have another busy year battling WNV carrying mosquitoes.

The public is urged to follow the three "Ds" to help protect themselves and their families from WNV:

• To help protect yourself and others use repellents that contain DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus before going outdoors.
  
  
• Fix or replace missing or torn door and window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Offer to help neighbors fix their screens.
  
  
• DRAIN standing water in and around your yard so mosquitoes will not have a place to lay their eggs. Change water in pet dishes, birdbaths, plants and flower containers weekly. Keep gutters free from leaves and debris. Help others in your neighborhood to "mosquito proof" their yards, too.
  

Participating Agencies: California Department of Public Health | UC Davis Center for Vectorborne Diseases | California Department of Food and Agriculture | Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California

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