Roseville, Calif.- The Placer Mosquito and Vector control District reports that an American crow collected from Lincoln and a mosquito sample collected from Roseville have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first positive indicators of West Nile virus activity in Placer for 2014.
“Generally, infected birds provide the earliest indication of increased virus activity.” said Joel Buettner, general manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. “Infected birds usually precede positive mosquitoes by a few weeks, helping to direct our surveillance efforts. However, this new data confirms what we at the District have suspected for a few weeks, that West Nile virus is active and replicating in Placer birds and mosquitoes,” Buettner states. District officials have expressed concerns over the fewer number of dead bird reports coming in from the public this year, as infected birds help to identify West Nile virus hotspots before mosquitoes are able to transmit the disease.
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District urges the public to report dead birds by calling the California Department of Public Health hotline at (877) 968-2473.
Due to these latest developments, the District has increased surveillance of larval and adult mosquitoes in the affected areas.
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District advises the public to implement the 3 Ds of protection:
- Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
- Defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent, dressing protectively when outside, and making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
- Contact the District for any additional help controlling mosquitoes around your home.
For more information, contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (888) 768-2343.
2014 Placer County West Nile virus activity update: 1 dead bird, 0 sentinel chickens, 1 mosquito sample, and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile Virus to date.