The Merced County Mosquito Abatement District received confirmation from the Center of Vector-borne Diseases of UC Davis, that a mosquito sample in Merced County has tested positive for West Nile Virus . This is the first detection of the virus in Merced County this year.
No confirmed human cases in Merced County have been reported. As of June 14, viral activity has been detected in 14 California counties (31 dead birds, and 111 mosquito samples). No human cases of West Nile have been reported in California to date.
“The citizens of Merced County need to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Rhiannon Jones, general manager of Merced County Mosquito Abatement District, “It is important to reduce mosquito populations on their properties by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. It will help dramatically reduce mosquitoes in our community. As the summer continues, it is important that citizens wear repellent while outdoors to reduce the chances of getting bitten by a mosquito.”
Mosquito control technicians perform inspections and treatments throughout Merced County. Services are covered by taxes. There are no additional fees. Visit www.mcmosquito.org to submit a free service request.
The District will continue with its treatment and surveillance programs by identifying mosquito breeding sources and mosquito borne disease activity. It will perform treatments according to its surveillance results. The District anticipates more West Nile detections in the coming months and would like to remind residents they can help by taking the following precautions: Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in stagnant water; defend yourself against mosquitoes by using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus; avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically during dawn and dusk; and report neglected swimming pools by calling your local mosquito abatement district. Anonymous calls accepted.
To report mosquito-breeding problem areas, Merced County residents should contact Merced County Mosquito Abatement District at 209-722-1527 [main], 800-622-3242 [toll], or www.mcmosquito.org.
For more information on statewide West Nile virus information, visit the California Department of Public Health website at westnile.ca.gov/.
For inquiries regarding the virus and human infections, residents should contact Merced County Department of Public Health at 209-381-1200.
