West Nile education available as mosquitoes return to the Sacramento Valley
(FOX40.COM) — Springtime in the Sacramento Valley means flowers, mostly sunny days, some rain and the return of the dreaded mosquitoes.
The Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is sharing information and hosting an education campaign for the week of April 14 to mark Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week.
Is West Nile Virus dangerous for people?
Heavy rain and long-lasting snowmelt in 2023 led to a rise in mosquito levels and a significant increase in human West Nile cases between Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
In 2022, there were eight reported human cases of West Nile virus between the two counties and in 2023 that total skyrocketed to 92, according to the district.
“Mosquito Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for our communities to learn more about mosquitoes and how they can protect themselves from diseases such as West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “This year the weather is already very warm and conditions are perfect for mosquitoes to thrive.”
It’s not just mucky pools of standing water that mosquitoes can breed in, but also common household features like flowerpots, bird baths and dog dishes.
The district says it is important to remember to drain these items of standing water before they become a breeding ground and health risk.
“Also of concern are the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus which continue to spread to different areas within District boundaries,” the district wrote in a news release. “These mosquitoes pose a significant health threat because they are capable of transmitting dangerous viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya.”
For more information on the education opportunities hosted by the district, click here.
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