West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes disease in humans, horses, and birds. WNV spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been zero human cases of West Nile Virus reported by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in 2022. However, Nevada County had the first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive dead bird report, along with nine other California counties. The best way to prevent WNV is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and prevent mosquitos from breading in standing water.
“Our Environmental Health Vector Control Team is increasing monitoring and treating standing water and ponds in the vicinity of where the WNV positive dead bird was reported,” said Environmental Health Director Amy Irani. “Standing water is a mosquito nursery. Mosquitoes can hatch in a week or less, in as little as a half-inch of water. If you get rid of still or stagnant water at least weekly, you will keep many mosquitoes from breeding and take a big step toward protecting yourself and your family.”
Prevent Mosquitos
Mosquito Fish can protect your ponds and troughs by consuming large quantities of insect larvae in your pond or other standing bodies of water. By reducing the mosquito population, you can reduce your risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases including the West Nile Virus.
Environmental Health is hosting one more Mosquito Fish Give Away on Thursday, June 30th, from 12pm-2pm in the parking lot of the Eric Rood Center at 950 Maidu Avenue in Nevada City.
Mosquito fish are an invasive species and are only meant for closed/stagnant ponds. They should not be placed into ponds that can drain into the local creeks and streams. Find additional tips on eliminating mosquito breeding in your yard online.
Fight the Bite
• Apply insect repellent with EPA-registered active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus before you go outside. Be sure to follow label directions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and insect repellent if spending time outside at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active at those times.
• Install door and window screens and repair any ripped or torn screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
