Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

Lancaster, CA – One of six mosquito samples submitted to UC Davis by the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The mosquito sample was collected near 20th Street West and Avenue H-8 in Lancaster. This is the first sign of WNV in mosquitoes in the Antelope Valley this year. “This is a reminder that West Nile Virus is active in the Antelope Valley,” said District Manager Cei Kratz. “Mosquito control is a shared responsibility of the property owner and the AVMVCD.

If both parties do their part to get rid or treat standing water, the entire community will benefit from less mosquitoes and less chances of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus.” AVMVCD personnel has been conducting intensive searches of the entire District to keep mosquito populations low and reduce the chances of residents getting ill.

This includes door to door pool inspections of properties with pools, to ensure they are either clean and maintained or completely dry. People bitten by an infected mosquito may develop West Nile fever and experience flu-like symptoms that can include fever, body aches, skin rash, and fatigue. In some people, West Nile fever can develop into a more serious form of the disease.

The District also urges residents to do their part to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following these recommendations:

• Check property for standing water and get rid of it

• Use CDC recommended insect repellents when outside during mosquito activity (DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535)

• Make sure your screen on windows and doors are in good repair

• Check around faucets and air conditioner units, and repair leaks or puddles that remain for several days

• Report stagnant pools and other backyard sources to the AVMVCD

• Report dead birds by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov

As of 9/21/18 the California Department of Public Health has reported that 445 dead birds, 1,802 mosquito samples, 122 sentinel chickens, and 8 horses have tested positive for WNV in California.

They have also reported 100 human cases of West Nile Virus with 4 fatalities. At the same time last year there were 174 human cases with 8 fatalities, 396 dead birds, 3,116 mosquito samples, 235 sentinel chickens, and 8 horses with WNV.

To stay up-to-date on new West Nile Virus activity in the Antelope Valley and any mosquito related information check out our website at www.avmosquito.org, Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/avmosquito), and follow us on Twitter @AVMosquito. For any further questions or services please feel free to contact the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District by phone (661-942-2917).