The community is encouraged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Photo designed by Magnific

SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division and the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District (SCMAD) have confirmed that a deceased bird has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The specimen sample was collected July 14 in Vallejo. There are currently no confirmed human cases of WNV in Solano County. As of July 10, the California Department of Public Health reports that there have been two human cases statewide this year. 

“We are seeing the first evidence of West Nile virus activity in our area this year,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, acting health officer for the Solano County Health and Social Services, Public Health Division. “The detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes is an important reminder that everyone should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. People may reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness by following guidelines. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. Residents should avoid being outside at these times. If you are outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent.

Drain standing water; mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property and drain empty flowerpots, buckets, barrels, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have an ornamental pond, contact SCMAD at 707-437-1116 for free mosquito fish.

Insect repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or para-menthane-diol products per the manufacturer's instructions.

Residents should ensure that their doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

Most people (about four in five) infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms. About one in five will develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. However, about one percent (about one in 150) of persons with WNV infections will develop severe neurological disease. In rare cases, WNV infection can be fatal.

Anyone can be infected with WNV, but people who are 60 years old and older and those with certain medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants, are at greater risk of developing severe illness and complications.

The SCMAD staff is conducting surveillance activities in the affected area to apply appropriate control measures.

“The Solano County Mosquito Abatement District will increase surveillance efforts in the affected area, which includes inspecting and treating mosquito breeding sources and sampling mosquitoes to monitor activity and assess potential disease transmission risks,” said Bret Barner, the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District biologist. “Community involvement remains vital. Residents should drain any sources of standing water around their homes, and we urge anyone who notices increased mosquito activity or neglected swimming pools to contact us at 707-437-1116 or visit SolanoMosquito.com for more information and resources.”

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds online at WestNile.Ca.Gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).