From ABC News
August 28, 2019

A rare, potentially deadly mosquito-transmitted illness called Eastern equine encephalitishas been reported in at least three states.

There have been four recorded cases in Massachusetts, including one case in which the person died, while there have been three suspected cases in Michigan.

Cases involving animals have been reported in Florida.

In an interview with ABC News, Dr. Todd Ellerin, director of Infectious Diseases and vice chair Department of Medicine at South Shore Health in Massachusetts, explained that EEE “is the most deadly of all the mosquito-born viral brain infections, aka encephalitides.” However, EEE remains very rare and most people who get it never develop symptoms.

Read more

From ABC 7
August 28, 2019

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) — Just what Southern California needs – not just more mosquitoes but a different breed of the insect that is sticking around longer.

The Aedes aegypti, more commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito or ankle biter, was first recorded in Orange County in 2015.

Now the invasive pests have been found in 29 of the county’s cities.

Lora Young with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control district says the agency is getting many calls for mosquitoes now.

Each bug may only live about a week, but with days heating up, they’re sticking around longer as a whole.

“We are seeing our mosquito season definitely lengthen all the way into October, November as we’re getting warmer temperatures,” Young said.

“They’re also very aggressive day biters so that’s why residents in the county are more impacted by them. They’re feeling the biting pressure of them.”

Read more

From People.com
August 28, 2019

A 14-year-old girl is critically ill after contracting a rare mosquito-borne disease.

Savannah DeHart, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, a virus spread by mosquitos that causes brain infections. Since her diagnosis on Aug. 16, she has lost her ability to communicate and is on a ventilator in the hospital.

Her mother, Kerri Dooley, said that DeHart’s symptoms started as a headache.

“Friday [the 16th], it got to the point where she didn’t want to move,” Dooley told NBC 8.

Speaking ten days after DeHart’s diagnosis, Dooley said that her daughter’s brain functions are limited.

“She just kind of lays there for now,” Dooley said. “Her brain is trying to heal itself, and she can’t do anything until that happens. It’s been, probably the worst time of my life. I watched my daughter almost ‘check out’ … it’s the word we’ve been using right now.”

Read more

From KYMA
August 27, 2019

EL CENTRO, Calif. – In Imperial County, two cases of Saint Louis Encephalitis and one case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed by residents in the Imperial Valley. 

The county also had a resident die this summer, due to West Nile Complications.

The Imperial County Public Health Department is warning residents to stay protected against mosquitoes.

With hunting season starting in California on September 1, county health officials want to make sure to spread the word about mosquito bite prevention.

Mosquito pools in three cities in the county have tested positive for West Nile Virus and Saint Louis Encephalitis. 
To combat mosquitoes in the valley, the public health department needs help from residents.

Health officials said killing the breeding source for these mosquitoes is vital, so they don’t reproduce.

Read more

From Caravan News
August 27, 2019

The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has detected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Stockton. The first detection was from a sample of mosquitoes collected on August 6, 2019, in the vicinity of Brookside. “Our goal is to control and limit the presence of this invasive mosquito species,” said Ed Lucchesi, Manager of the District. “We are doing everything possible to ensure these mosquitoes do not become established in our communities; however, this type of mosquito can be very difficult to eliminate,” said Lucchesi.

The District is increasing surveillance efforts by placing additional traps used to collect adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs. Additionally, the District’s staff is conducting door to door inspections of the residential area near the recent Aedes aegypti detection. The boundaries for the inspections are north to March Lane, south to the Diverting Canal, east to I-5, west to the Stockton Deep Water Channel.

Aedes aegypti is not native to California; however, it is a common mosquito in some urban areas of the southeastern United States and Arizona. Recently this species was detected in Stanislaus County. Elsewhere in California, Aedes aegypti have been found in Fresno, Madera, Merced, and San Mateo counties and numerous areas in southern California. Aedes aegypti has the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. These viruses are not currently transmitted by mosquitoes in California. Aedes aegypti is a small (about ¼ inch) black and white mosquito that bites aggressively during the day. The public can help prevent the spread of these invasive mosquitoes by calling in daytime biting mosquitoes to the District.

Read more

From News Medical Life Sciences
August 27, 2019

Control and prevention of Aedes-transmitted viruses, such as Dengue, Chikungunya, or Zika relies heavily on vector control approaches. Given the effort and cost involved in implementation of vector control, targeting of control measures is highly desirable. However, it is unclear to what extent the effectiveness of highly focal and reactive control measures depends on the commuting and movement patterns of humans.

Now, a team of researchers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville say that scientists and health officials should not only focus on vector control in curbing mosquito-borne illnesses. Instead, they should also evaluate how humans behave and commute to and from an affected area, including their living habitats.

Read more

From ANewsCafe.com
August 26, 2019

Two more West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples have been discovered in Shasta County. One of the samples came from a trap located in the Northeast Redding area and the other came from a surveillance trap located in Anderson.

“With temperatures continuing to be high, and adult mosquito populations lingering, the risk from West Nile virus remains a concern. We ask that residents continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites when enjoying time outside,” stated Peter Bonkrude, District Manager of the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. In addition, the District is reminding residents to eliminate any potential mosquito sources on their property to help in the reduction of adult mosquitoes.
West Nile virus continues to be present throughout the state, with positive WNv indicators throughout California counties. Due to this increase in WNv transmission, the District has augmented surveillance and treatment of larval and adult mosquitoes in the affected areas.

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District staff urges residents to take
precautions to avoid mosquito bites by implementing the 4 Ds of protection:
• Drain any standing water that may produce mosquitoes, this includes
flowerpots, old tires, and buckets. Some species of mosquitoes can lay their eggs in
very small sources of water, like a bottle cap.
• Defend yourself and your home by using an effective insect repellent and
making sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
• Dusk or Dawn, avoid outside activities.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active

Read more

From Action News Now
August 26, 2019

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – A second human West Nile Virus infection in Butte County has been confirmed. The infected person is an adult who suffered from a fever-like illness.

As of Aug. 23, 2019, 45 human West Nile Virus infections have been reported in 11 California counties.

West Nile Virus activity is now widespread throughout Butte County. The Butte County Public Health Department and Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District are urging residents to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by reducing mosquitoes on their property and preventing mosquito bites.

Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District have confirmed that 31 groups of mosquitoes and 12 sentinel chickens have tested positive with West Nile Virus.

The district is urging residents to drain all unneeded standing water and to report any suspected mosquito-breeding sites.

Read more

From ABC 30
August 22, 2019

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first West Nile Virus death in the county this year.

Health officials say another person also tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis which is the first reported case in Fresno County.

According to county officials, as of Wednesday, there are 26 positive human cases of West Nile this year, and that number is expected to increase.

At this time, FCDPH is collaborating with Fresno County mosquito abatement districts and the Central California Blood Center to increase awareness about mosquito activity.

Read more

From the New York Times
August 22, 2019

A previously unknown outbreak of the Zika virus swept across Cuba in 2017, a year after the global health emergency was declared over, scientists reported on Thursday.

Until now, the Pan American Health Organization had no record of any Zika infection in Cuba in 2017, much less an outbreak. Following inquiries by The New York Times about the new study, published in the journal Cell, officials acknowledged that they had failed to tally 1,384 cases reported by Cuban officials that year.

That figure is a sharp increase over the 187 cases confirmed in 2016 and is “in line with the estimates for 2017 from our own study,” said Kristian Andersen, an infectious disease researcher at Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, Calif., and a co-author of the new study.

Because most cases of Zika go unconfirmed, Dr. Andersen added, the outbreak actually may have comprised tens of thousands of infections.

Read more

From the Imperial Valley Press
August 22, 2019

EL CENTRO — Confirmation three weeks ago that mosquitos carrying West Nile virus and Saint Louis encephalitis were found in the county was followed Wednesday with a report from the Imperial County Department of Public Health of two cases of SLE and the county’s second case of WNV this year.

The two cases of SLE are the first human cases of the disease reported statewide this year, the Health Department said. The West Nile case, unlike a case that killed a 74-year-old Bombay Beach resident on July 4, was not fatal.

The department said all three patients live in El Centro, and they are home recuperating.

The two SLE patients were reported to be middle-aged men who were hospitalized in late July with severe headache, fever and nausea, and were diagnosed with viral meningitis, the Health Department said. Fewer details were released about the West Nile case, other than the patient was also male.

Read more

From the Davis Enterprise
August 22, 2019

West Nile virus has been detected in multiple mosquito samples tested in Davis in the last two weeks.

Those positive samples were found in north, east and south Davis between Aug. 6 and Aug. 20, according to the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District.

These are the first positive mosquito samples found in Davis this year, and come two weeks after the district reported the first positive samples in the county, in Winters and Zamora.

Davis locations where West Nile was detected in mosquitoes include Wildhorse near Duchamp Park; near Northstar Park in North Davis; and near Walnut Park in South Davis, according to the city and vector control district.

In response to this week’s findings, the city said ground spraying will continue in parks and open areas as needed in order to reduce mosquito populations and the vector control district will continue to monitor and conduct laboratory surveillance.

Read more

From First Post
August 20, 2019

A deadly beast that might be the size of a speck but poses a threat to more than half the world’s population. This predator, your not so friendly neighbour, is the mosquito that causes so much menace around the world. They are the cause for the spread of many vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and many more and have caused great losses to humanity.

Even with the progress of science and technology that has taken place, mosquitoes take almost 2.7 million lives every year. In the last 30 years, the worldwide incidence of dengue has risen 30-fold. Additionally, more countries have recently reported the outbreaks of Dengue. While the incidence of diseases caused by Aedes aegyptus mosquito continues to rise; the worldwide cases of Malaria has finally reached a stagnation point with just a slight increase in the last 3 years.

Read more

From SCV News
August 19, 2019

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has confirmed West Nile virus in four additional mosquito samples from traps in the cities of Carson, Northridge, Reseda and Signal Hill.

This follows the discovery of WNV-infected mosquito samples in Bellflower and Long Beach on July 15 and July 10, respectively.

The first two cases of WNV infections in humans were reported Aug. 5.

Residents are urged to use EPA-registered repellents when spending time outdoors to prevent mosquito bites and WNV illness. Not all repellents are effective against mosquitoes but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents with the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

West Nile virus is endemic in Los Angeles County, and the summer heat can increase virus activity and mosquito populations. So far this year, 10 WNV human cases have been reported in California, two of which were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Visit CalSurv Maps for a comprehensive look at this year’s West Nile virus activity throughout Southern California.

Read more

From the Long Beach Post News
August 19, 2019

From The Orange County Register
August 19, 2019

A female resident of Tustin, in her 50s, is the first human case of West Nile virus reported in Orange County this year, the Orange County Health Care Agency announced Monday, Aug. 19.

Last year, the virus affected 12 people in the county and resulted in one death, according to the Health Care Agency. The first human case reported in 2018 also was a Tustin woman.

On Aug. 5, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that mosquitoes found in Orange, along with nine dead birds discovered in Cypress, Buena Park, Huntington Beach and Tustin, had tested positive for the virus.

Last week, vector control officials said infected mosquitoes also had been found in Buena Park and Santa Ana.

The disease is passed on to humans by infected mosquitoes that contract it from birds.

Read more

From the Debate Report
August 18, 2019

Officials of Fresno County in California have announced and warned the locals that mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus keep appearing in the Central Valley. Mosquito control districts have increased their attempts to control and exterminate the threat.

The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement Control District has begun making use of spray trucks geared with insecticide to spray the targeted areas all around the valley. The Culex species of mosquito is well-known to carry the West Nile Virus, and it is usually active in the evening and over the course of the night. The officials set for the trucks to spray during that specific time.

As per a collaboration between the California Department of Public Health, UC Davis and the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California, there have been 319 mosquito samples that were found to be positive for the West Nile Virus in Fresno County thus far this year. The neighboring county, Tulare, has been even worse, having 613 positive tests for the virus until now.

Read more

From the Daily Herald
August 17, 2019

A new study of toddlers exposed to the Zika virus during their mothers’ pregnancies found that nearly a third suffered developmental delays and other problems — even if they were born without the abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains often associated with the virus.

The study of more than 200 babies, published recently in the journal Nature Medicine, also shows that a very small number of children born with the congenital condition known as microcephaly had their symptoms improve. Conversely, a very small number of the children born without symptoms of microcephaly went on to develop it.

Read more

From the Daily Bulletin
August 15, 2019

West Nile virus activity was detected in a sample of mosquitoes in La Verne and Pomona, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Thursday.

The announcement comes 10 days after the announcement of a similar finding in Baldwin Park and Orange.

The vector control district tests female mosquitoes and birds throughout the year for the presence of the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

The West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease that affects Los Angeles County, according to the vector control district website.

Two people were reported to have contracted the virus in late July and are expected to recover, Los Angeles County Public Health officials announced Aug. 5.

Those who contract the virus may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, mild rashes and body aches. Some may experience more severe neurological symptoms as a result of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, leading to paralysis, coma or death, according to the vector control district website.

Read more

From Science Daily
August 14, 2019

New research led by scientists at The Rockefeller University in New York may help explain why Zika virus infection causes birth defects in some children but not others. The study, which will be published August 14 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, suggests that the risk of developing an abnormally small head (microcephaly) depends on the types of antibody produced by pregnant mothers in response to Zika infection.

From Action News Now
August 13, 2019

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – The Butte County Public Health Department has announced the first confirmed human West Nile Virus infection in Butte County.

The infected person is an adult who suffered a fever-like illness.

As of Aug. 9, 2019, 10 human West Nile virus infections have been reported in California, not including the Butte County case. 

The infection is active July through October, with August typically being the peak month in Butte County. 

Health officials want to remind residents of the following tips to avoid contracting the virus:

• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are active, especially at dusk and dawn
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear long pants, and long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes
• Before going outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions
• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes
• Eliminate all standing water on your property that can support mosquito-breeding
• Report standing water to Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
• Contact Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live, work, and/or play

Read more

From the Manteca Bulletin
August 13, 2019

The Aedes aegypti mosquito – also known as the mosquito that can carry the Zika virus and other communicable diseases – has officially arrived in San Joaquin County. 

On Monday the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced that the invasive species, which was detected in neighboring Stanislaus County last month, was discovered in traps that were set last week just outside of the Stockton gated community of Brookside – prompting a response that includes extensive inspections of the area. 

“Our first goal is to control and limit the presence of this invasive mosquito species,” said Ed Lucchesi, the district’s manager. “We are doing everything possible now to ensure these mosquitoes do not become established in our communities; however, this type of mosquito can be very difficult to eliminate.”

Read more

From ABC 30
August 9, 2019

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Tulare County health officials are investigating four cases of suspected West Nile Virus in residents.

They believe three adults and one child have been affected.

Three are from the Visalia area, and one is from Tulare.

It comes as officials confirmed the Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus, also known as SLEV, has been detected in mosquitoes in Tulare County.

Symptoms of SLEV infection are similar to that of West Nile.

Mosquitoes transmit both illnesses.

Most people don’t even know they’re infected and show no signs of symptoms.

But a small percentage do get symptoms, and they can even be deadly in less than one percent of individuals.

Report mosquito presence (anonymously, if you like) by calling the Delta Vector Control District, or your local vector control agency, toll-free, at 1-877-732-8606 or by reporting online at www.DeltaVCD.com, or on its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DeltaVectorControlDistrict), Twitter (@DeltaVCD), or Instagram (@DeltaVCD) accounts.

Read more

From the Manteca Bulletin
August 8, 2019

As if an active population of adult mosquitoes that are testing positive for the West Nile Virus wasn’t enough, San Joaquin County mosquito abatement experts now have to worry about a new type of mosquito that can carry both the Zika virus and other diseases such as dengue fever that has surfaced in neighboring Stanislaus County. 

Last month public health experts warned that a pair of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were discovered in traps on the east side of Modesto – indicating a possible breeding population – which long confirmed the fears of vector control experts that have been waiting for the mosquitoes to work their way north. 

“Now it’s just only a matter of time before we detect them in San Joaquin County,” said San Joaquin Mosquito and Vector Control District spokesman Aaron Devencenzi. “We check the traps that we have in the South County near the border with Stanislaus County regularly, and just recently our guys have more traps in that area so that we can monitor what is happening.”

Unlike the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus – which are active predominantly at dawn and at dusk and are more densely packed in rural areas – the Aedes aegypti mosquito is active during the day and can commonly be found in urban and populated areas. If that wasn’t enough of an issue, Devencenzi said that eradication is extremely difficult because the mosquitoes are able to lay their eggs in only a capful of water, and once they are laid, they are viable even without water present for up to six months. 

Read more

From the Record-Net
August 8, 2019

STOCKTON — An invasive mosquito species not native to California has been detected for the first time in Stockton.

On Tuesday, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District collected the species known as Aedes aegypti from the Brookside neighborhood in west Stockton.

The district has been looking for the species for about four years as it creeps up the San Joaquin Valley, setting up traps throughout the county. They were alerted to its presence this week when a resident called the district to report multiple biting mosquitoes during the day, spokesman Aaron Devencenzi said.

District personnel went to the area, collected the mosquitoes and confirmed they were Aedes aegypti, Devencenzi said.

Aedes aegypti has the potential to transmit several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever, but it should be noted these viruses are not currently transmitted by mosquitoes in California, according to a statement from the local district.

Read more

From FOX 26 News
August 8, 2019

VISALIA, Calif. (FOX26) — Four cases of suspected West Nile Virus have been reported in Tulare County, according to Tulare County Health.

Three men and one child have caught the virus. Three of those people are from from Visalia, one from Tulare.

Delta Vector Control also reports that St. Louis Encephalitis Virus has been found in Tulare County mosquitoes.

There is currently no vaccine or medication to treat either virus once you have it.

It’s reported that 80% of people that catch West Nile or St. Louis Encephalitis viruses won’t show any symptoms.

Mild symptoms like fever, headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis may occur.

Read more

From the Los Angeles Times
August 6, 2019

Two dead birds that tested positive for West Nile virus were recently found in Huntington Beach, but there have been no confirmed human cases in the county so far this year, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The infected American crows were found in June — one in the area of McFadden Avenue and Bolsa Chica Street and the other near Huntington Beach High School — according to vector control spokeswoman Lora Young.

A total of nine infected birds, including Huntington’s, have been found in the county so far this year. The others were in Cypress, Buena Park and Tustin.

Vector control also collected its first mosquito sample that tested positive for West Nile this year at El Camino Real Park in the city of Orange on July 30. Mosquitoes collected in other area cities haven’t tested positive for the virus, Young said.

Read more

From KESQ
August 5, 2019

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif.- – Mosquito pesticide treatments in the Coachella Valley will be continuing Monday following Friday’s announcement that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Indian Wells for the first time this year.
   
Aerial and truck-mounted mosquito control applications are underway today in Indio, La Quinta and Mecca, and are planned to begin in Palm Springs tomorrow, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
   
While there have been no reported human cases of West Nile Virus in the Coachella Valley this year, 74-year-old Robert Mears of nearby Imperial County was reported to have died of the virus earlier this month. The Vector Control District has also detected St. Louis encephalitis virus in Coachella Valley mosquitoes this year.

Read more

From the Los Angeles Times
August 5, 2019

Two people in Los Angeles County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, in what officials say are the first two cases in the county this year.

Both people became ill with West Nile, which is transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite, late last month and are recovering, officials said Monday. One lives in the San Fernando Valley and the other in the southeastern region of L.A. County, they said.

“We are glad to hear that these two people are recovering from their West Nile fever infections and wish them well. Every year in Los Angeles County, we see cases of West Nile virus infection, which can be serious, even deadly, especially for people over 50 and those who have existing health problems,” L.A. County health officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “Mosquito bites aren’t just annoying, they may make you sick.”

Read more

From The Orange County Register
August 5, 2019

Mosquitoes found at El Camino Real Park in Orange have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced Monday, Aug. 5. The mosquito sample, collected July 30, was the first batch to test positive for the virus in the county in 2019.

The vector control district also announced, Monday, that a total of nine dead birds infected with the disease were found in Cypress, Buena Park, Huntington Beach and Tustin. Given the number of birds infected, “we anticipate we’ll get more positives (in mosquitoes) with West Nile virus throughout the county,” Lora Young, spokeswoman for the vector control district, said.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Orange County this year, according to vector control officials.

However, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, on Monday, confirmed L.A. County’s first two cases of human West Nile virus in 2019. One resident of the San Fernando Valley and another in the southeastern portion of the county contracted the virus in late July and are in recovery.

Read more

From the Sacramento Bee
August 3, 2019

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is offering free mosquito repellent to community groups planning outdoor activities for the National Night Out on Tuesday. All you have to do is schedule pickup.

Mosquitoes carry the deadly West Nile virus and can transmit it to birds, humans and other mammals when they bite them. The district reported that, in Sacramento County, seven dead birds and 11 mosquito samples have tested positive for the deadly West Nile virus this year. Placer County also reported a positive mosquito sample, but neither El Dorado nor Yolo counties has found evidence of activity this year.

“We know many people will be outside for this event, and we want to remind the public that personal protection against mosquitoes is critical in the prevention of West Nile virus,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the free repellent we are offering as part of our public outreach program.”

Read more

From Los Angeles Fox 11
August 2, 2019

LOS ANGELES (FOX 11) – Another batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes has been collected in Bellflower.

According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District this is the second group of infected insects captured in the county this year.

Vector-control officials noted that West Nile activity was off to a slow start in the county, but warned the warm weather still to come will likely exacerbate matters.

The district noted that 445 positive mosquito samples have been collected in Southern California.

The first positive sample in the county was found in mid-July in Long Beach. West Nile is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms from contracting the disease can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, according to the department.

The symptoms can last for several days to months.

Read more

From ABC 10
August 2, 2019

MODESTO, California — Two aedes aegypti mosquitoes are now held in containers at the East Side Mosquito Abatement District Headquarters in Modesto.

“Not a major surprise that they are here because the population takes awhile to build up to a number where we can catch them in our traps,” said Dr. Wakoli Wekesa, who is the new manager of the East Side Mosquito Abatement District.

He has 30 years of studying mosquitoes across California, having worked in other mosquito control districts.

He says the aedes egypti mosquito has been found in California for years and has been steadily progressing its way northward from Southern California.

Read more

From MyNewsLA.com
August 2, 2019

Another batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes was collected in Bellflower, the second group of infected insects captured in the county this year, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District announced Friday.

Vector-control officials noted that West Nile activity was off to a slow start in the county, but warned the warm weather still to come will likely exacerbate matters. The district noted that 445 positive mosquito samples have been collected in Southern California outside of the county.

The first positive sample in the county was found in mid-July in Long Beach.

West Nile is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms from contracting the disease can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea or a skin rash, according to the department. The symptoms can last for several days to months.

Read more

From the Record Searchlight
July 29, 2019

A mosquito sample collected in the Cottonwood area has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District reported Monday morning.

“Although this is our first indication of West Nile virus activity, we know it is endemic in Shasta County and will be a concern every year,” Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Peter Bonkrude said in a news release.

The sample was taken in west Cottonwood.

Bonkrude said as warmer temperatures persist, the increase risk for transmitting the virus will continue.

The Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District reminds residents to take precautions to decrease the risk by draining any standing water that may produce mosquitoes, avoid outside activities at dusk or dawn, and dress in long-sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are active.

Also, defend yourself and your home by using insect repellent, and making sure that screens on doors and windows are in good condition.

Read more

From News Medical Life Sciences
July 28, 2019

Tel Aviv scientists have discovered certain genes that protect the host organism against attack by Zika virus, raising hopes of an eventual vaccine or cure for this dreaded viral disease.

The Zika virus, which is rampant in South America, can cause severe damage especially to unborn babies, including fetal death or stillbirth, or serious birth defects which are collectively called the congenital Zika syndrome. This includes such issues as a significant and crippling reduction in head size (microcephaly), neurological anomalies, and retarded development. Over 60 million people have been affected so far by this insect-borne virus, which can also cause the paralyzing disease Guillain-Barre syndrome and other nerve illnesses. However, scientists have not come up with a vaccine or cure for this devastating disease.

Read more

From Forester Media
July 26, 2019

This piece is an abridged version of a feature article by the author that appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Wing Beats magazine, an official publication of the American Mosquito Control Association.

In August 2012, I investigated a catch basin in the City of San Leandro, CA, that I had inspected for mosquito production many times before. To my surprise, I saw a metal screened box bolted to the wall of the basin covering the outlet pipe. I walked to another catch basin and there was another one, and then another. What were these things, and why were they there?

Trash capture devices (TCD) are installed in catch basins to prevent trash from flowing into creeks, canals, and bays. These devices are a byproduct of the federal Clean Water Act and similar state regulations. Trash capture is a prominent issue in the San Francisco Bay Area as the region set ambitious goals to reduce trash entering waterways, and by 2030 the mandate will be fully implemented statewide in California.

While TCDs come in many shapes, configurations, and designs to maximize trash capture performance, an unintended and problematic consequence is that many pose substantial problems for inspecting and treating catch basins for mosquito larvae without completely dismantling the device. With tens of thousands of catch basins in Alameda County that need to be inspected and treated several times in a season, we quickly realized the profound impact TCDs would have on our ability to control mosquitoes and protect public health.

Read more

From the Turlock Journal
July 26, 2019

Health officials reported Wednesday that an area woman diagnosed with a neuroinvasive form of West Nile Virus is the first confirmed human case of the disease in Stanislaus County this season.

The first mosquitoes of the season tested positive for West Nile virus on July 9, the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency reported.

The California Department of Public Health has found West Nile Virus in 21 counties in the state, including two human cases, which does not take into count the recent diagnosis for the Stanislaus County woman. The state has seen one death from the virus this year.

Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread West Nile Virus to humans and other animals when they bite, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die, according to the CDC.  People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.

Read more

From the Sacramento Bee
July 26, 2019

West Nile virus has been detected in Sutter County for the first time so far in 2019, in one human patient as well as in mosquito samples, the Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday.

The Sutter County Health Department reported an asymptomatic human had tested positive for West Nile virus, the vector control district said in a news release. Recent mosquito samples west of Yuba City also tested positive, the release said.

The district warns mosquito populations may increase with high temperatures, which are incoming this weekend.

Any resident who sees a dead bird should report it to the state Department of Public Health, at www.westnile.ca.gov.

From Science Daily
July 25, 2019

A new Tel Aviv University study uses a genetic screen to identify genes that protect cells from Zika viral infection. The research, led by Dr. Ella H. Sklan of TAU’s Sackler School of Medicine, was published in the Journal of Virology on May 29. It may one day lead to the development of a treatment for the Zika virus and other infections.

The study was based on a modification of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique. CRISPR-Cas9 is a naturally occurring bacterial genome editing system that has been adapted to gene editing in mammalian cells. The system is based on the bacterial enzyme Cas9, which can locate and modify specific locations along the human genome. A modification of this system, known as CRISPR activation, is accomplished by genetically changing Cas9 in a way that enables the expression of specific genes in their original DNA locations.

Read more

From the East Bay Times
July 24, 2019

In the past year, California has experienced multiple public health crises. Last October, San Diego County health authorities declared an end to a Hepatitis A outbreak that killed 20 people and sickened nearly 600. That same month, health officials warned the public of a typhus outbreak in downtown Los Angeles. And now public health departments across the state are scrambling to prevent a widespread outbreak of measles.

But when most people think about mosquitoes, they consider them nuisances that cause itchy bites. They don’t think about the public health risk and potential for mosquito-borne disease transmission. However, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases, especially West Nile virus, is also very serious and must be a public-health priority.

That’s why I’m advocating for more state funding to support vector-borne-disease research, surveillance and data collection. It’s critical that mosquito- and vector-control professionals and public health officials have resources they need to track and predict the emergence of mosquito-borne diseases and efficiently respond.

Read more

From Merced Sun-Star
July 24, 2019

Stanislaus County health officials have reported a serious case of west Nile illness as prime conditions for the virus create a threat to the public.

The patient was only identified as a female in the news release Wednesday from the county Health Services Agency.

She was diagnosed with the potentially deadly neuroinvasive disease, which can result in long-term disabilities.

From KESQ
July 24, 2019

INDIO, Calif. – With monsoonal moisture comes unwanted pests. Mosquitoes carrying deadly viruses could be lurking around your backyard.

News Channel 3’s Caitlin Thropay spoke with Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District to find out how you can beat the bite.

Three steps they recommended are to, “dump it, drain it and scrub it clean.” If you have any “kiddy” pools, tires lying around, bird baths, flower pots, plant saucers or anything that holds still water in it, you need to follow these simple steps. 

“This is a really unprecedented year for West Nile Virus activity in the Coachella Valley and it’s also been a pretty productive year for mosquitoes because of the weather we have been having all year,” General Manager of Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, Jeremy Wittie told News Channel 3. 

Read more

From The Monroe News
July 23, 2019

Have you ever been bothered by mosquitoes or other flying insects while enjoying quiet time on your deck or patio?

Have you ever been bothered by mosquitoes or other flying insects while enjoying quiet time on your deck or patio?

If so, let me introduce you to a tree swallow family.

These colorful, high flying, acrobatic creatures may be an answer to enjoying that quiet time on your deck or patio and with added entertainment. During an average day, adult tree swallows soar, swoop, and dive to consume about 2,000 flying insects.

Multiply that by two, a male and female, and four to seven nestlings, you can see how this might improve your outdoor enjoyment.

How can you enjoy these beautiful active birds?

After a one to two-month migration north from California, Mexico and Central America, tree swallows find their way to our area.

They are cavity nesters but are unable to dig their own nest cavities. When planning to start their family, they look for an old woodpecker hole or a cavity in a dead tree or a bluebird nesting box. They nest in a cavity with the same size entrance as the eastern bluebird.

I have two bluebird boxes in my backyard, one used by bluebirds and one used by tree swallows, 75 feet apart and facing each other.

Read more