The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s (District) mosquito surveillance system has detected West Nile virus (WNV) in three separate samples of mosquitoes found in the City of Stockton. The collected mosquito samples were found in zip codes 95207, and 95209. “Our surveillance system is designed for the earliest possible detection of WNV positive mosquitoes. With this find, the District will be increasing mosquito control efforts to further reduce the mosquito populations in these areas. However, residents need to take all necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer of the District.
Residents and visitors of San Joaquin County can reduce their risk of WNV infection and other mosquito-transmitted diseases by taking these precautions:
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito development.
- Apply EPA registered insect repellent containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or Para-menthane-diol (PMD) when outdoors, according to label instructions.
- Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset.
- When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.
- Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight fitting screens on doors and windows.
- Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.
- Report significant mosquito infestations and daytime biting mosquitoes to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org (209) 982-4675, 1-800-300-4675.
Additional tips and information can be found at San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District’s website, www.sjmosquito.org
Detailed insect repellent information can be found at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mosquito-Repellent.aspx