(800) 429-1022
 info@fightthebite.net
* ABOUT
  + 
* SERVICES
* EDUCATION
* PROGRAMS
* MEDIA
* FAQs
!
# First Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Yolo County
 / First Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Yolo County
* Print
* Email
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**June 26, 2024**
**FIRST MOSQUITO SAMPLE TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS**
**IN YOLO COUNTY**
Elk Grove, Ca— The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that the first mosquito sample of the season has tested positive for West Nile virus in Yolo County. The mosquito sample was collected near the town of Dunnigan and follows the detection of a dead bird that also tested positive for the disease in Woodland earlier this month. “This is a clear sign that West Nile virus activity is spreading,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. At the same time, West Nile virus activity continues to gradually increase as more dead birds and mosquito samples collected from Land Park and other areas throughout the city of Sacramento also tested positive this week.   “With the warmer temperatures we’ve seen recently West Nile virus activity is steadily rising,” indicated Goodman.  “We are heading into one of the hottest months of the year and it’s extremely important that residents continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.” Last year in California there were 433 confirmed human cases of the disease, including 19 fatalities.
In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor all West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing as well as perform ground treatments in areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health.
Another ongoing concern is the spread of invasive mosquitoes throughout the District.  *Aedes aegypti* were detected for the first time within District boundaries in 2019 and *Aedes albopictus* were first found in 2022.  This year invasive mosquitoes have already been found in different areas throughout the District.  Invasive mosquitoes aggressively bite during the day and pose a significant health threat because they can transmit dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.
To see a complete map of the WNV findings and for current information about District activities, please visit: <
Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website at .
**2024 West Nile virus activity update:**
**Sacramento County****:**  17 dead birds and 10 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
**Yolo County**:  1 dead bird and 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus
**CONTACT**
info@fightthebite.net
Monday-Friday
7:00am – 3:30pm
**ADDRESS**
8631 Bond Rd
Elk Grove, CA 95624
1234 Fortna Ave
Woodland, CA 95776
**MOSQUITO CONTROL MATTERS**
We help protect your health by controlling mosquitoes that spread disease. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they are a major threat to public health. We use proven, effective methods to control mosquitoes and reduce the risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as West Nile virus.
 Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved by SparkWorks.
# First Signs of West Nile Virus Activity in Yolo County
 / First Signs of West Nile Virus Activity in Yolo County
**June 13, 2024**
**Contact:**  Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer
**Office:**  916-405-2082 |  **Cell:**  916-416-6337
**E-mail:**  lrobles@FIGHTtheBITE.net
**First Signs of West Nile Virus Activity in Yolo County**
(Elk Grove, CA) – The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District, in partnership with the County of Yolo, announced today that the first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) activity have been detected in Yolo County. A House Finch, found dead near Jack Slaven Park in southeast Woodland, tested positive for the virus. Concurrently, WNV activity is gradually increasing in Sacramento County, with more mosquito samples and dead birds testing positive today.
“As the weather gets warmer, WNV activity will steadily increase,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “This is a cause for concern, especially with summer around the corner and the hottest months of the year approaching, when activity typically intensifies.” Earlier this week, the first mosquito sample and several dead birds tested positive in the area of South Land Park in Sacramento. “We urge residents to continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” Goodman added.
In response to these findings, the District will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing. Ground treatments will be performed as necessary to quickly reduce mosquito populations and protect public health.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus from infected birds. Symptoms usually develop within a week after being bit by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches, lasting from a few days to several weeks. While most infected individuals have no symptoms, severe complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, or even death can occur, particularly in those over 60 years old or with compromised immune systems.
“The report of a dead bird testing positive for West Nile virus means it is time for residents to begin protecting themselves from mosquitoes,” said Yolo County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Aimee Sisson. “Last year, multiple Yolo County residents died from West Nile Virus infection. Take the time to protect yourself against mosquito bites—it just might save your life.”
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus. Therefore, adopting preventive measures remains crucial in minimizing the risk of contracting the virus. To reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, Yolo County Public Health and Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District recommend following the 7 D’s to reduce mosquito exposure:
* **DRAIN** any stagnant water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
* **DAWN** and **DUSK**, when mosquitoes are most active, are times to limit outdoor activities.
* **DRESS** in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
* **DEFEND** against mosquitoes by using effective insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
* Ensure **DOORs** and windows screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
* For assistance, contact the **DISTRICT** at 1-800-429-1022 to address mosquito concerns.
Mosquito activity is expected to increase throughout the summer, and next week has been declared National Mosquito Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), an international organization of nearly 2,000 public health professionals dedicated to preserving public health and well-being through safe, environmentally sound mosquito control programs since 1935.
For current information about National Mosquito Awareness Week as well as District activities, please visit .
###
**Sacramento County****:**  8 dead birds and 2 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
**Yolo County**:  1 dead bird has tested positive for West Nile virus.
# First Mosquito Sample of the Season and Two More Birds Test Positive for West Nile Virus
 / First Mosquito Sample of the Season and Two More Birds Test Positive for West Nile Virus
**June 10, 2024**
**FIRST MOSQUITO SAMPLE OF THE SEASON AND TWO MORE BIRDS TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS**
Elk Grove, Ca.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District  confirmed today that the **first mosquito sample of the season has tested positive for West Nile virus** (WNV).  The mosquito sample was collected from the city of Sacramento, in the area of south Land Park in close proximity to the first positive bird reported last week. “As we expected, the very warm weather we’ve had recently increased the number of mosquitoes and accelerated virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously and do everything they can to protect themselves,” added Goodman.  As part of the laboratory results received today, two dead birds also tested positive for the disease. Other counties throughout the state have also started to report West Nile virus activity. Last year in California there were 433 confirmed human cases of the disease, including 19 fatalities.
The detection of this recent WNV activity is evidence that the disease is present and the public should take proper precautions to stay protected. “Summer is around the corner and as more people enjoy outdoor activities it’s important to remember that the best protection against mosquito bites is an effective insect repellent,” said Goodman. Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds, neglected pools and other mosquito problems.
As a response to the finding of WNV, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and monitoring in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. Targeted ground spraying may also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes.
For current information about District activities, please visit . Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
**Sacramento County****:**  3 dead birds and 1 mosquito sample have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.
**Yolo County**:  No activity has been registered so far.
# First Dead Bird of the Season Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
 / First Dead Bird of the Season Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
**June 5, 2024**
**FIRST DEAD BIRD OF THE SEASON TESTS POSITIVE**
**FOR WEST NILE VIRUS**
Elk Grove, Ca.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed that the first dead bird of the season has tested positive for West Nile virus. The American Crow was collected near Riverside Blvd in Land Park in the city of Sacramento and it is the first indication of West Nile virus activity for the 2024 season. “Finding the first positive bird is always significant because it provides an early warning sign for the disease,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager.  “It confirms that the virus is present, shows us where we may find positive mosquito samples and where human cases may develop later in the season” added Goodman. Late spring rains and the extremely hot temperatures for this time of the year could indicate a busy mosquito and West Nile virus season ahead. While this is the first evidence of the virus within the District’s service area; other counties throughout the state have already started to register activity.
The public is encouraged to report dead birds by calling the California Department of Public Health hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).  Some species of birds such as crows, jays and magpies are very susceptible to the virus. Though not all birds that are reported will be picked up and tested, the reports provide valuable information and assist with mosquito surveillance and control efforts that help protect public health.
In response to the detection of WNV activity, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and surveillance in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding.
Residents may visit  to subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.
To report mosquito problems, please call 1-800-429-1022 or fill out a service request online at 
**Sacramento County****:** **1** dead bird has tested positive for West Nile virus.