FRESNO COUNTY – The public is urged to use best practices this mosquito season after a detection of West Nile Virus.
On May 15, the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) announced a notification from the California Department of Public Health that a dead bird in the city of Fresno was carrying West Nile virus. This is the first detection in Fresno County this year.
“The WNV positive dead bird found in Fresno County is an indicator that the virus is active in our community,” says Dr. Trinidad Solis, FCDPH health officer, in a statement. “Residents should take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”
FCDPH recommends that residents reach out to their local mosquito control district regarding standing water or mosquito problems, and to report neglected swimming pools. Unkept pools are a significant source of mosquito production in urban and suburban areas.
The public is encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Three D’s”: “Deter,” “Dawn and Dusk,” and “Drain.”
Effective deterrence includes using insect repellant with an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. The FCDPH noted in its statement that oil of lemon eucalyptus is not approved for children under the age of 3.
Dawn and dusk refers to when mosquitos that spread the virus usually bite, being early in the morning and in the evening. Proper clothing and repellant is especially important during these times, and the FCDPH also recommends maintaining tight-fitting screens to doors and windows.
Drain refers to standing water, which should be eliminated so that mosquitoes cannot lay eggs in it. Flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and other containers are common places for standing water, and residents should adjust their sprinklers to prevent irrigation runoff into streets and gutters.
All residents are encouraged to report dead birds on the California West Nile website at westnile.ca.gov or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). Fresno County residents can find their local mosquito abatement district at www.fresnocountymosquito.org.
