Mosquitoes in Ripley Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Two samples of mosquitoes collected from the Ripley area near Blythe have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Multiple mosquito complaints have also been received from the area.
“We conducted mosquito control operations last week with a truck-mounted fogging unit,” says Keith Jones, Deputy Director of Environmental Health, “And an additional application may take place this evening.”
At the beginning of April, the Department commenced WNV surveillance activities which include: testing of sentinel chickens, dead birds and mosquito pools. The surveillance is intended to provide early warning of virus activity and opportunities to focus on vector control activities.
Two samples of mosquitoes collected in the Southwest portion of the County on May 20, 2009 had already confirmed the presence of WNV in the County.
The virus may be transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with virus in its blood. The virus is most prevalent from May to October, when mosquitoes are most abundant.
The California Department of Public Health monitors birds for the virus. Anyone who finds any crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead for less than 24 hours is asked to call toll-free to 1-877-WNV-BIRD.
To reduce human exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry:
Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.
- Apply insect repellent according to the label instructions.
- Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
- Eliminate standing water that can support mosquito breeding on your property.
- Report stagnant swimming pools to local vector control agencies.
No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported this year in California.