Burlingame CA: First San Mateo County Bird Carrying West Nile Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dead Bird is First Indication of West Nile Virus in San Mateo County in 2015

Burlingame, CA – April 21, 2015 – A dead bird collected from Menlo Park on April 20, 2015 has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first indication of WNV in San Mateo County in 2015. These results arrive, coincidentally, at the beginning of West Nile Virus and Mosquito and Vector Control Awareness Week, April 19th through 25th , 2015.

While the risk of human West Nile virus infection in San Mateo County remains low, reports of dead birds are an early indication that the virus is circulating in the environment. Residents are encouraged to report fresh carcasses of birds or tree squirrels to the California West Nile Virus Hotline at www.westnile.ca.gov or by phone at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

In response to the discovery of West Nile virus in San Mateo County, San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) will collect adult mosquitos for WNV testing by deploying mosquito traps in the neighborhood where the dead bird was found. In addition to ongoing surveillance for West Nile virus, the District continues to control mosquitoes in their immature stages through an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The District’s vector control technicians routinely inspect standing water where mosquitoes develop, and treat mosquito breeding sources throughout the county.

West Nile virus is primarily a disease of birds. However, humans, horses, and other animals can become infected with WNV if bitten by an infected mosquito. West Nile virus cannot be spread person to person. To prevent mosquito breeding on your property, avoid mosquito bites, and reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, follow the “Three D’s”:

· DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.

· DAWN and DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.

· DEET– Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you.

For assistance with a mosquito problem in San Mateo County, contact the District at (650) 344- 8592. For more information on West Nile Virus and other District services, visit us on the web at: www.smcmvcd.org.

Contact:

Megan Caldwell, Public Health Education and Outreach Officer mcaldwell@smcmvcd.org

1351 Rollins Rd.

Burlingame, CA 94010

(650) 344-8592 x13

(650) 350-9360

www.smcmvcd.org

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Information on the positive bird can be found at

http://www.smcmvcd.org/press-release/dead-bird-first-indication-west-nile-virus-san-mateo-county-2015

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Robert Riechel

Senior Correspondent – San Bruno Patch

Photo Credit: San Bruno Patch Archives

Source Credit: San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District

http://SanBrunoPatch.com

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