Virus-Carrying Mosquitoes Reported in South Valley
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Last updated 9/4/2023 at 12:50pm | View PDF
This Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District map shows locations in Visalia (highlighted in yellow) where virus-carrying mosquitos were found in July. 'Save For Web' is enabled [HELP]
In July, Tulare County Public Health received a report of a human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Tulare County resident.
On July 11, the Kings Mosquito Abatement District, which serves Kings County, reported that 13 mosquito samples collected in Kings County tested positive for WNV.
The district also announced that Aedes aegypti, a mosquito introduced to the area in 2017, has spread throughout the county and is currently prevalent in the cities of Hanford, Lemoore and Corcoran.
Meanwhile, the Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District, based in Visalia, reported finding 60 positive mosquito samples for WNV, and three positive mosquito samples for both SLEV and WNV during the period of July 6-13.
"Due to this increased activity, we strongly encourage residents to use safeguards to reduce their risk of contracting both West Nile virus and SLEV through mosquito bites," said Tulare County Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Overton.
Public health officials urge residents to take the following precautions against mosquito bites:
• Use EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET. Always follow label instructions carefully.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
• Drain standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
• Repair or replace door and window screens that have tears or holes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, however, about one in five people will develop a fever with other symptoms from two to 14 days after being infected.
Severe cases of WNV can affect the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis and/or encephalitis, and can result in death or long-term disability.
Like WNV, severe cases of SLEV can also affect the central nervous system, resulting in meningitis and/or encephalitis, and can result in death or long-term disability.
Contact your local mosquito abatement district if you see areas of standing water that may be a breeding area for mosquitoes. Tulare County has three mosquito abatement districts providing abatement services to residents:
• Delta Vector Control (Mosquito Abatement District) –serves the northern portion of Tulare County. Contact the Visalia office at (559) 732-8606 or visit http://www.deltavcd.com.
• Tulare Mosquito Abatement District serves the western portion of Tulare County. Contact the Tulare Office at (559) 686-6628 or visit http://www.tularemosquito.com.
• Kings Mosquito Abatement District serves Kings County. Contact the Hanford office at (559) 584-3326 or visit http://www.kingsmosquito.net.
• Delano Mosquito Abatement District serves the southern portion of Tulare County. Contact the Delano Office at (661) 725-3114 or visit https://delanomosquito.com.
For more information, visit the California West Nile website at http://westnile.ca.gov.
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