Community Corner
First Signs of West Nile Virus Detected in Roseville
No animal deaths reported, but positive mosquito samples indicate an early start of the season, officials report.
The first signs of West Nile virus have been detected in Placer County, indicating an early start to the mosquito season, officials reported.
Three mosquito samples taken from surveillance traps in Roseville and Loomis tested positive for the virus, the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District stated in a news release. This early July detection time comes weeks before last year's positive findings, which came in during the last week of July.
"This finding is certainly in line with what mosquito control districts are experiencing throughout the state this year," stated Joel Buettner, general manager of the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District. "We saw an early start to the mosquito season and very early indicators of increased West Nile virus activity."
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The West Nile virus season may be longer and more intense this year, as weather conditions and new mosquito control resources are being challenged, according to the release.
"This year has the potential of being a very challenging one, and we may have to work twice as hard just to keep up," Buettner stated. "Every year, we strive to stay ahead of mosquito and West Nile virus issues."
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The district has increased surveillance of larval and adult mosquitoes in the area and treatments for adult and larval mosquitoes are already underway in the affected area, the release stated.
Placer County residents are urged to be aware that the West Nile virus is a threat, especially with high levels of virus activity in the surrounding counties of Sacramento and Sutter. Residents can defend themselves against mosquitoes by wearing an effective insect repellent and staying inside, behind screened windows and doors, whenever possible, the release stated.
The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control advises the public to implement the "3 Ds" of protection:
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Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
Defend yourself and your home by using and effective insect repellent and dressing protectively when outside, and making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
Contact the District for any additional help controlling mosquitoes around your home.
For moe information, contact the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District at (888) 768-2343 or visit www.placermosquito.org.
The 2012 Placer County West Nile virus activity update is as follows: 0 dead birds, 0 sentinel chickens, 3 mosquito samples and 0 humans have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.