From PBS News Hour
July 6, 2018

Last week, biologists reported the most detailed structure of the Zika virus to date, a finding that could help the effort to develop vaccines or anti-viral medicines. And Monday, a nationwide group of researchers reported in Nature Medicine that Zika causes miscarriages and stillbirths in a quarter of pregnancies in non-human primates.

The urgency to fight Zika reached a fever pitch two summers ago when a massive outbreak struck South and Central America and the Caribbean causing more than half a million suspected cases and more than 3,700 congenital birth defects. Some scientists suspect a mutation in the virusmade the disease more harmful and triggered the epidemic. It also landed in an ideal climate, where tropical mosquitoes — namely of the Aedes family — helped propel Zika to such large numbers.

But then last summer, the virus declined sharply in its hotspots and all but disappeared in the U.S. In 2016, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa saw more than 36,000 cases of locally transmitted Zika virus. By 2017, the number had dropped to 665. In 2017, the continental U.S. saw only seven cases of local mosquito-borne Zika, down from 224 the previous year.

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From Science Magazine
July 5, 2018

Each year, thousands of people suffer from malaria, the Zika virus, and other diseases transmitted by pests such as mosquitoes. However, humans may soon be in the clear, thanks to the drugs used to protect man’s best friend from fleas and ticks. In a new study, researchers found that fluralaner and afoxolaner, sold as Bravecto and Nexgard, respectively, effectively killed infectious mosquitoes and sand fleas when they consumed human blood laced with the compounds, according to Time. Through computer modeling, these researchers also found that if enough people took the drug, 97% of infections could be prevented in Zika-prone areas, and 70% of new malaria cases could be prevented in countries that experience seasonal malaria, they reported this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. To test these findings, researchers are already planning clinical trials in healthy human volunteers. 

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From The Fresno Bee
July 5, 2018

Mosquitoes trapped in Fresno have tested positive for St. Louis Encephalitis.

Fresno County health officials said Thursday the infected mosquitoes were in the areas of East Floradora Avenue and Highway 41, plus Shields and Van Ness avenues.

The Culex mosquitoes that carry St. Louis Encephalitis are also capable of infecting people with West Nile virus. There is no vaccine for humans who are infected with either virus.

Most people infected with West Nile and Saint Louis Encephalitis have no symptoms, however, the viruses can affect the central nervous system. One in five people may develop a fever along with other symptoms, and severe neurological effects can occur and may be permanent. The infections can be fatal..

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From KESQ
July 5, 2018

Mosquitoes in Mecca tested positive for St. Louis encephalitis, the first detection of the virus in the Coachella Valley this year, local vector control officials reported today.

The mosquitoes were recently found in three traps near the intersections of Johnson Street and Avenue 70 and Colfax Street and Avenue 71, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The discovery follows five recent detections of West Nile virus in mosquitoes found in Palm Desert and Indian Wells, which led to increased mosquito spraying and trapping in those cities.

District officials warned residents to watch out during the early morning and evening hours, when mosquitoes are most active. 

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From Placer MVCD
July 3, 2018

Public health officials urge repellent use during Independence Day celebrations

ROSEVILLE, Calif., July 3, 2018 – The Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District reported today that a mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus this week.  The sample was collected from a site along the county’s western border.  Mosquito numbers have also increased in the past week, most likely from sustained higher temperatures.  District staff have been aggressively treating immature mosquito populations out in the agricultural areas to the west, in an effort to stem the development of adult mosquitoes.  “This kind of mosquito and West Nile virus activity is not unusual for this time of year. Mosquito abundance is not the only thing that is impacted with warmer weather. West Nile virus activity in birds and mosquitoes also tends to increase with higher temperatures,” states Joel Buettner, District general manager. According to Buettner, treatment activities have not been scheduled, but will likely happen later on in the week. He encourages those who are interested in receiving updates to sign up for email notices through the District website or follow the District social media accounts for treatment updates.

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From the Daily Democrat
July 3, 2018

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed that West Nile virus activity is increasing as 10 new mosquito samples and 10 dead birds have tested positive for the disease in areas throughout the region, including Yolo County.

“The hot temperatures of the last few days have increased mosquito populations and we’re starting to see widespread activity,” said Gary Goodman, district manager.

Thus far, stated Goodman, there have been 32 mosquito samples and 21 dead birds testing positive for West Nile virus to date.

In Yolo County, two dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

The increase in West Nile virus activity comes at a time when many will be enjoying the outdoor activities for the 4th of July holiday and the District reminds the public to take protective measures against mosquitoes.

“Many will be participating in family BBQ’s and watching fireworks around dusk, a time when mosquitoes are looking to bite,” stated Goodman. “We urge everyone to wear an effective repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. All it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to get the virus” indicated Goodman.

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From the Tracy Press
July 3, 2018

Free mosquitofish were recently distributed to Tracy residents to cut down on mosquitoes breeding in backyard ponds, pools and other manmade water features.

Technicians from the San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District handed out the fish Friday from a tank on a pickup truck at the Tracy Community Center.

From TIME
July 2, 2018

Diseases spread by pests like mosquitoes and fleas remain global health problems. To prevent transmission, public health strategy has largely focused on using insecticides or bed nets. Vaccines are also under development for diseases like Zika, but few are approved for use. Now, a new study suggests that medicines already used for pets to protect against fleas and ticks could offer similar protection for humans.

In the report, published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at the nonprofit drug discovery institute Calibr and TropIQ Health Sciences report that drugs called isoxazolines, which are currently sold as veterinary products like fluralaner (Bravecto) and afoxolaner (NexGard), might also work in humans to kill off pests like mosquitoes that spread diseases like Zika and malaria.

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From KESQ
June 29, 2018

Palm Springs Unified School District custodians received special training by the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District to help them spot and identify dangerous mosquitoes and the areas where they might breed.

“A lot of the mosquito control can be done by people themselves whether it’s maintenance or custodial workers or just people in their own backyard,” said Jill Oviatt, public information officer for the CVMVCD.

Experts say the main thing to look for in stopping the spread of mosquitoes is stagnant water. 

“This is where mosquitoes lay their eggs, breed into adult mosquitoes who can then bite you and potentially give you a deadly virus,” Oviatt said.

The custodians spent the day learning to identify and report these mosquito hot spots.

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From KGET
June 28, 2018

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Mosquito season is in full swing. Experts at Mosquito and Vector Control say they’re trapping more mosquitoes this year compared to last.

“Swimming pools have turned into the biggest source and problem we have in urban areas,” said Gene Abbott, the district manager at Kern Mosquito and Vector Control.

Vector Control monitors and eradicates mosquito breeding from bodies of water around the county–for free. They say mosquitos only need one teaspoon of water to breed.

“It’ll breed in anything from a saucer of water to an open septic tank. they’re really not picky about the quality of water,” Abbott said.

More importantly than the itch mosquitoes cause, Kern Public Health says the Culex mosquito, which carries the West Nile Virus, is quite common locally.

According to Public Health, Kern County had 30 cases of West Nile Virus in 2017, with one death. They say there have been two cases so far in 2018.

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From Outbreak News Today
June 27, 2018

The California Department of Public Health reported five additional human West Nile virus (WNV) cases in the past week, bringing the total in 2018 to nine in six counties to date.

The new cases were reported from Fresno (1), Kern (1), Los Angeles (1), Sacramento (1), and San Bernardino (1) counties.

In 2017, California reported 553 human WNV cases, including 44 fatalities.

Los Angeles County reports 1st human West Nile virus case of 2018

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans, horses and other animals by infected mosquitoes after the mosquitoes have bitten infected birds, which are the primary hosts of the virus.

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From The South Pasadenan
June 27, 2018

South Pasadena will join the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) beginning July 1.

Residents can expect a higher level of service on mosquito-related concerns, along with the benefits of aligning with a regional system, said City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe.

“I’m very pleased to begin this partnership,” DeWolfe said. “The District performs a vital service to maintain the quality of life and public health in the communities it serves.”

With the addition of South Pasadena, the District now covers 26 cities in the region. It provides surveillance, inspection, treatment and education for mosquitoes and black flies.

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From Business Insider
June 27, 2018

Zika doesn’t dominate headlines the way it did when it suddenly became widespread in the Americas in 2016.

But the virus is still a serious problem. If a pregnant woman is infected, Zika virus can cause babies to be born with neurological damage and microcephaly (a particularly small head and underdeveloped brain).

The CDC still says that pregnant women, their partners, and people considering pregnancy should postpone travel to large parts of the Caribbean and Latin America.

Researchers are desperately searching for a way to fight the virus. That effort requires a better understanding of the structure of Zika, which would makes it easier to design vaccines or anti-viral drugs.

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From KESQ
June 27, 2018

It’s ‘National Mosquito Awareness Week’ and after mosquitos tested positive for West Nile Virus in parts of the valley this month, Coachella Valley Vector Control is expanding its outreach hoping to raise awareness to people and visitors in the affected areas.

Vector control’s public information officer Jill Oviatt is going to hotels and Homeowner Associations in Palm Desert and Indian Wells dropping off several items including mosquitos swatters, repellents, and wipes. Oviatt is also reminding those people to protect themselves from mosquitos.

It’s a message vector control spreads year round, but the organization is being even more proactive about it after several mosquitos tested positive for WNV.

“Suddenly we saw it in Indian Wells and Palm Desert which is very rare. But after doing our truck mounted operations, we’re seeing a drop in the mosquito population and no more virus activity at this time, but it could pop up here or somewhere else in the valley,” Oviatt said.

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From The Sacramento Bee
June 25, 2018

In what is being called a slow start to the annual West Nile Virus season, officials said 27 birds have tested positive for the sometimes deadly virus in California so far this year, eight of them in Sacramento County.

“There have been other years, like 2014 or 2016, where we’ve seen a lot more activity,” said Luz Robles, the public information officer for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District.

No human cases of the sometimes deadly virus been reported in the region this year. Just four cases have been confirmed elsewhere – in Los Angeles, Kern and Riverside counties – by the California Department of Public Health.

But officials are still urging people to be proactive in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and protecting themselves.

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From KESQ
June 24, 2018

PALM DESERT, Calif. – Local residents in Palm Desert are guarding themselves against some pesky mosquitoes. It comes after West Nile was detected in mosquitoes trapped in one neighborhood last week.

“I don’t them. I don’t like them at all,” Jeffrey McCartney said.

That’s how he feels about seeing these pesky mosquitoes. McCartney’s taking even more precautions than usual after some mosquitoes carrying West Nile was detected in his neighborhood.

“Them being right on this street is very concerning,” he said.

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (CVMVCD) says it’s the second city to have West Nile detected this month. Indian Wells was the first. McCartney has already taken steps eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

“Our watering is a drip system so it doesn’t leave any big puddles and as you can see in the front of the yard, is a desert plan,” he said.

The CVMVCD plans to spray the area for mosquitoes as shown in this sign posted on Portola avenue.

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From California Healthline
June 22, 2018

As residents of California’s Coachella Valley escape the blazing heat this summer in air-conditioned living rooms, movie theaters and cars, many will hear this upbeat but cheesy refrain:

“Dump it! Drain it! Scrub it clean! Your weekly mosquito prevention routine.”

These commercials feature local mosquito-control officials grinning goofily at the camera while they follow the jingle’s instructions to eliminate pools of water that harbor insects they are branding as “bloodthirsty killers.”

Nationwide, diseases spread by ticks, fleas and mosquitoes have tripled since 2004. In California, last summer brought the deadliest West Nile virus season in 15 years.

Authorities in the Coachella Valley and other regions of the state are trying to drive home the message that mosquitoes are a serious and growing threat to residents’ health. Using jingles, disaster drills and even drones, they are spreading the word and preparing for outbreaks.

Jill Oviatt, a spokeswoman for the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, calls the ad campaign an attempt to “brainwash” residents and force them to rethink mosquitoes as more than buzzing, irritating, itch-making pests. With climate change and the spread of diseases across international boundaries, they pose a lethal threat.

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From KCRA 3
June 22, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) —

It’s true. Mosquitoes like some people more than others.

The annoying insect also loves to breed in California. The state is home to the most mosquito-transmitted diseases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Around 50 mosquito species are attracted to the state’s hot summers and mild winters, as well as agricultural areas like rice fields and stagnant pools in urban areas. Not to mention California is the most populated state in the nation.

During peak summer temperatures, mosquitoes can grow from an egg into an adult in less than a week.

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From EurekAlert!
June 21, 2018

Over the last five years, Zika virus has emerged as a significant global human health threat following outbreaks in South and Central America. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseaseshave shown that invasive mosquitoes in California — where cases of Zika in travelers have been a regular occurrence in recent years — are capable of transmitting Zika.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that has been known for more than a half century, but recently gained attention after it began spreading through South America and was confirmed as a cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome and congenital Zika syndrome in infants. Several species of Aedes mosquitoes have been confirmed as vectors of ZIKV in the lab. But studies have also suggested that mosquitoes of the same species from different regions may have different competencies as vectors.

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From ABC 10
June 20, 2018

When it comes to mosquito-borne diseases, California is number one, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reports that over the last decade, California leads the nation with more than 9,000 cases of mosquito-transmitted disease.

“These numbers are startling as they only represent mosquito-transmitted diseases that were reported to health officials said,” David Heft, president of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California.

According to the report, two invasive species of mosquito have been found in 200 cities across California since 2011; that’s in addition to the state’s native mosquito species.

California is followed by New York and Texas. The report included both local disease transmission and those associated with travel. It did not adjust for population.

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From The Mercury News
June 20, 2018

DEAR JOAN: Every year around this time, a herd of suicidal beetles appears in our basement, which is built into a hill. There is sandy ground in some areas, and one wall faces the outside. The beetles appear out of nowhere and I cannot find any opening to the outside they could have used to enter the basement.

Most of them are dead when I find them, but sometimes they are still alive. When I capture them to bring them outside, they make a deep humming sound. They are about 1 to 1½ inches long. I find them until about August or September, then they are gone again.

How can I prevent these beautiful beetles from continuing to commit suicide, and what are they?  Help please.

Annette Scheibner, Scotts Valley

DEAR ANNETTE: Your suicidal beetles are ten-lined June beetles (Polyphylla decemlineata), also known as watermelon or scarab beetles. How or why they’re in your basement is a mystery, although I’m pretty certain they aren’t going there deliberately to die.

Steve Schutz, scientific programs manager for Contra Costa County Mosquito and Vector Control, identified the beetles from your photos, but he’s just as perplexed as you are about why they’re in your basement.

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Sacramento, June 20, 2018 – California leads the nation in mosquito-borne disease cases over the last decade, according to new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The State reported 9,254 cases of mosquito-transmitted diseases between 2004 and 2016, followed by New York with 7,167 and Texas with 6,648. California had 100 times more mosquito-transmitted disease cases than Alaska (87), which reported the lowest number of cases in the country during the same period. The report included the total number of local and travel-associated disease transmission cases per state and did not adjust for population.

“These numbers are startling as they only represent mosquito-transmitted diseases that were reported to health officials said,” David Heft, president of the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California. “Also not reflected in the data are the emerging disease threats the state faces due to the rise of invasive mosquitoes now present in 12 counties in Southern and Central California.”

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From CDPH
June 2018

A new fact sheet and investigation report from the California Department of Public Health’s Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program details the death of a date palm tree worker after he was attacked by multiple bees at an organic orchard in Southern California. Aggressive Africanized honey bees now account for the majority of feral honey bees in this region. Employers can post the fact sheet – also available in Spanish –  at work sites.

Outdoor workers in agriculture, landscaping, construction, and other industries are at risk for insect-related illnesses and injuries, including fatal anaphylactic shock and mosquito-borne and tickborne diseases.

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From Corsicana Daily Sun
June 19, 2018

The time is here and so are the mosquitoes. And with mosquitoes comes mosquito-borne viruses such as the Zika virus. It is crucial to take preventative measures when spending time outdoors to protect yourself from the dangers of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases.

We’ve all been victim of mosquitoes and the red, itchy bumps they leave behind. Unfortunately, mosquito bites can also become dangerous as the Zika virus has made its way into the United States.

The Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected after biting a human who has the virus, which then allows the virus to be spread to other humans with each bite that the mosquito makes. According to the Center for Disease Control, 662 Zika virus cases were reported in 2017, with Texas being one of the hardest hit states.

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From The Turlock Journal
June 19, 2018

The threat of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis has the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District engaging in an aggressive strategy to rid the region of as many of the virulent pests as possible.

The effort has become more critical as yellow fever mosquitoes were found in Merced County last season and the radius in which they were found is growing. This mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is capable of transmitting several human diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika. Since 2013, Aedes aegypti has been detected in 13 other California counties, primarily south of Merced.

“That’s got our red flag up,” said TMAD General Manager David Heft.

Moreover, the California Department of Public Health announced four people in Southern California have been confirmed as having West Nile Virus.

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From News Channel 3
June 18, 2018

The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in the Coachella Valley this year were recently discovered in Indian Wells, officials said today.

The two positive samples were found among mosquitoes collected in a trap near Fairway Drive and Cook Street, according to the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.

District officials say that surveillance and testing will be increased in communities near the trap location.

“This is a bit late in the season to see our first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample,” district spokeswoman Jill Oviatt said. “But now that it’s here, we want to make sure residents know what they need to do to prevent getting infected with potentially serious viruses.”

Officials advised residents to inspect their yards for any standing water sources, which can serve as mosquito breeding sites.

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From Recordnet.com
June 18, 2018

Two mosquitoes found in Stockton’s 95219 ZIP code area tested positive for West Nile virus in testing done by the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

“This is the first find of WNV in San Joaquin County for 2018,” said Aaron Devencenzi, public information officer of the district. “With warm weather, mosquito populations will continue to increase, leading to an elevated risk of WNV in humans.”

In addition to work by the mosquito and vector control district, reduction of West Nile virus and other mosquito-transmitted diseases is dependent on all residents. The district recommends:

• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.

• Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or Picaridin when outdoors, according to label instructions.

• Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset.

• When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.

• Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight fitting screens on doors and windows.

• Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equine against WNV.

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From The San Francisco Gate
June 17, 2018

SANTA CLARA (BCN) 

Mosquitoes caught in a limited area near the Santa Clara-Sunnyvale border have tested positive for the West Nile virus, prompting a planned Tuesday spraying in portions of four ZIP code areas. 

The Santa Clara County Vector Control District is scheduled to spray the mosquito control treatment from truck-based tanks beginning at 11 p.m. Tuesday in the affected areas, Santa Clara County officials said Friday. 

The spraying is expected to last a few hours. 

The affected area is bordered on the south by El Camino Real, East Arques Avenue on the north and South Fair Oaks Avenue on the west. The eastern boundary is far more jagged, with its easternmost point where the Caltrain tracks cross over Bowers Avenue. 

Door hangers with notice of the planned spraying are being distributed and notice is being made both through Nextdoor online networks and through AlertSCC notifications via cell phone, email or landline phone. 

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From CDPH
June 15, 2018

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today the first confirmed illnesses in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The four illnesses occurred in Los Angeles, Kern and Riverside Counties. “West Nile virus activity in the state is increasing, so I urge Californians to take every possible precaution to protect against mosquito bites,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. 

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. As of June 8, 2018, WNV has been detected in 14 dead birds from seven counties and four mosquito samples from three counties. Hot temperatures this month are contributing to increasing numbers of mosquitoes and the increased risk of virus transmission to humans. So far this season, activity is within expected levels. The risk of disease due to WNV usually increases at this time of year and is highest throughout the summer and early fall. West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of WNV immunity in birds. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. In 2017, there were 553 reported WNV cases in California, including 44 deaths. People 50 years of age and older, and individuals with diabetes or hypertension, have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications from WNV infection. 

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From The Coast News Group
June 14, 2018

REGION — Last month, San Diego County began its annual larvicide dumps throughout the county to combat mosquitoes and diseases.

Chris Conlan, supervising vector ecologist, said the county is hopeful this year will show a decrease in West Nile, Zika, Dengue fever and other diseases spread by mosquitoes.

The county also conducts aerial drops from helicopters at 48 waterway sites throughout the county. The total 1,004 acres and will be done monthly for the rest of summer including on June 27.

The largest site is the Buena Vista Lagoon on the Carlsbad-Oceanside border, which covers 120 acres, followed by the San Elijo Lagoon (west and east) on the Encinitas-Solana Beach border spanning 80 acres.

“Those sites are chosen because they can’t be easily done any other way,” Conlan said. “There’s not good access or just too massive … whereas a helicopter can just cruise over and get done in a few minutes in what would take us an awfully long time.”

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From Yahoo Finance
June 13, 2018

Three years ago, the Zika virus was making nearly daily headlines — its devastating effects on babies born to mothers who were infected by the virus triggered global public emergencies and thousands of canceled trips to Latin America and the Caribbean. Even some Olympians decided against participating in the 2016 Games because of the risk of getting bitten by a mosquito and becoming infected by Zika in Rio de Janeiro.

Now the infection has all but disappeared from the media landscape and conversation.

The Zika virus was first reported in the Western Hemisphere in 2015, just as the West African Ebola virus epidemic was declining. Though it was initially believed to be the result of a well-known related pathogen, the dengue virus, or possible exposure to a toxic insecticide, it soon became clear to clinicians and researchers that it was in fact a newly emergent virus.

Zika spread rapidly from northeastern Brazil to other South American countries, through Central America and up to the Caribbean, leaving a large number of people infected. The symptoms typically were mild and nonspecific — rash, fever and joint pain. Many of those infected had no symptoms at all.

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From the Times-Standard
June 13, 2018

The following is a press release issued by the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

An American Crow in Humboldt County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first WNV-positive bird reported in the county this year.

Statewide, a total of 15 birds have tested positive for WNV already this year, according to the California Department of Public Health. No human cases have been reported.

“It’s early in the season to be seeing positive birds,” said Melissa Martel, Director of the Department of Health & Human Services’ Division of Environmental Health. “It takes several weeks of warm temperatures for the virus to intensify and several cycles of disease transmission for the virus to cause illness.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people get infected with WNV after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitos become infected when they feed on infected birds and can then spread the virus to other animals.

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From EurekAlert
June 12, 2018

A platform that can diagnose several diseases with a high degree of precision using metabolic markers found in patients’ blood has been developed by scientists at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil.

The method combines mass spectrometry, which can identify tens of thousands of molecules present in blood serum, with an artificial intelligence algorithm capable of finding patterns associated with diseases of viral, bacterial, fungal and even genetic origin.

The research was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation – FAPESP and conducted as part of Carlos Fernando Odir Rodrigues Melo’s PhD. The results have been published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.

“We used infection by Zika virus as a model to develop the platform and showed that in this case, diagnostic accuracy exceeded 95%. One of the main advantages is that the method doesn’t lose sensitivity even if the virus mutates,” said Melo’s supervisor Rodrigo Ramos Catharino, principal investigator for the project. Catharino is a professor at UNICAMP’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF) and head of its Innovare Biomarker Laboratory.

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From The American Council on Science and Health
June 12, 2018

The reason there is no universal flu vaccine is because the influenza virus constantly changes. That’s why we get jabbed with a new vaccine every season; the vaccine from the previous year is unlikely to work against the strains of flu circulating this year.

The hunt for a universal influenza vaccine is based on targeting parts of the virus that don’t change. In theory, antibodies generated against these portions of the virus should confer protection against all influenza viruses. Whoever develops and successfully demonstrates such a vaccine should win a Nobel Prize.

But this may not be the only strategy for the creation of universal vaccines. Indeed, a team of researchers who are concerned by mosquito-borne illnesses has described a very clever idea for the development of universal vaccines in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

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From WXOW
June 11, 2018

La Crosse County, WI (WXOW) –

They are an unfortunate part of summer – crawling, biting, flying, irritating hordes – and because of weather patterns, we may be seeing more of them.

“Winter kind of lasted until the middle of April for much of Wisconsin,” Gundersen Infection Preventionist Megan Meller said. “That’s a perfect condition for some of these insects like ticks and mosquitoes.”

The CDC says illnesses from ticks, mosquitoes and fleas have tripled since 2004, with tick-borne illnesses accounting for 60 percent of all those cases. Wisconsin and Minnesota are in the top 20 percent of reported cases.

“There’s other types of Lyme disease that are out there,” Meller said. “So it’s really best that we just be prepared for that.”

It takes more than 24 hours for a tick to transmit disease. Thorough body checks after a day in the woods or tall grass is key to prevention.

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From Union City Patch
June 11, 2018

UNION CITY, CA — Mosquitoes and birds infected with West Nile virus have been found in Union City, according to the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. All of them were found near Ponderosa Cove Park.

“The presence of multiple West Nile virus infected mosquitoes and birds in this area are a threat to the health of people living in nearby neighborhoods,” said General manager Ryan Clausnitzer. “The District is dedicated to protecting the health of Alameda County residents.”

The virus, which can be deadly, is passed to people through a mosquito bite. It was found in two dead birds and two groups of mosquitoes. There have been no human cases reported in the county.

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From Desert News Utah
June 9, 2018

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s mosquito season has begun, and the Utah Department of Health is advising people to take extra precaution after last summer’s increase in West Nile virus cases.

Dallin Peterson, an epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, said human West Nile virus cases last year reached Utah’s highest number in a decade, with 62 people who tested positive and five who died from the virus. Peterson said Utah usually only records about 10 cases of the virus a year.

Though there’s no clear factor causing an increase in mosquitoes and West Nile virus cases, Peterson said, wet springs and hot summers play a significant role in mosquito populations.

The state Department of Health oversees mosquito research with laboratory work and coordination with zoos, blood donation centers and other departments to track signs of West Nile virus in animals and people.

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From The Oakland Press
June 8, 2018

Officials aren’t sure whether this summer will be worse for biting insects such as mosquitos and ticks. It depends whether where you live has high humidity or standing water available.

But experts agree that whether there is an infestation or not, Oakland County residents need to take precautions to prevent the diseases insects may carry.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks and fleas tripled in the U.S. from 2004 to 2016.

The report said Lyme disease from ticks is an increasing concern for Michigan, though no cases have been reported in Oakland County the past two years, according to the Oakland County Health Department. West Nile virus from mosquitoes is also on the rise, with five county cases reported in 2017.

Michigan State University entomologist Howard Russell said it’s difficult to say definitively if it will be a bad summer for mosquitos.

“Future generations of mosquitos depend on how much standing water there is,” he said about the necessary habitat needed for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

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From the Thousand Oaks Acorn
June 7, 2018

With warmer summer weather and increased outdoor activities, a higher risk of exposure to mosquitoes is expected.

Since mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus or Western equine encephalitis virus, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division advises the public to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites and assist with the effort to control mosquitoes.

To minimize exposure to mosquitoes, eliminate standing water from property and make sure doors and windows have tightfitting screens without holes.

When outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

If water is stored in rain barrels or other containers for longer than a week, cover all openings with tight-fitting lids or 1/16-inch fine mesh screen.

The division monitors and controls mosquitoes at approximately 2,400 mosquito breeding sources throughout Ventura County.

The public is asked to report mosquito activity or potential mosquito breeding sites by calling the complaint hotline at (805) 658-4310.

Mosquito-eating fish are available to the public for use in ornamental ponds and water features. To request the fish, call (805) 662-6582.

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From The Modesto Bee
June 7, 2018

Letter to the Editor

I appreciated reading Richard Pan and Bill Quirk article “Handling risks of mosquito-borne diseases” (Page 8A, May 25) and agree it’s important to remember how to stay safe and avoid misquotes while enjoying the summer – which means for many families swimming, going to lakes and being outdoors. So, our chances for encountering misquotes is high. Also, it was interesting they mentioned the number of deaths in California from West Nile in the last 15 years and how it’s continuing to grow. It’s very important for people in California to understand how serious this, is and to take precautions.

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From Los Altos Town Crier
June 6, 2018

Recent temperature fluctuations notwithstanding, warm weather has returned to the Bay Area, and with it comes the annual onslaught of disease carriers like mosquitoes and ticks, county officials warned last week.

Locally, May and June are considered the start of the active West Nile virus season, and Lyme disease peaks in ticks in July, according to Russell Parman, Santa Clara County Vector Control District assistant manager.

“As things heat up, most of the processes that go on inside the bug also run faster,” Parman said.

FLYING FOES

Culex tarsalis (Western encephalitis mosquito) and Culex pipiens (Northern house mosquito) are the two local mosquito species that transmit West Nile, a viral infection that can lead to flu-like symptoms and even death.

Vector Control has yet to trap any mosquitoes infected with the virus so far this season. Last year’s season marked the first time the agency did not detect West Nile-positive mosquitoes since 2004, when the virus appeared in Santa Clara County.

“We’re hoping for the same this year, but it’s not likely,” Parman said.

Officials also hope to keep Zika, the birth-defect-causing virus, at bay. Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), the species capable of transmitting Zika, are not native to California and are not currently active in the Bay Area, but they have been in the past. Aedes aegypti was discovered in Menlo Park in 2013 and Aedes albopictus made an appearance in Mountain View in 2003, according to Vector Control.

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From CDFA
June 4, 2018

There has been a discovery of Newcastle Disease in San Bernardino County. 

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/Newcastle_Disease_Info.html

CDFA is asking vector control agencies in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties to institute additional biosecurity measures, including a 72 hour downtime between poultry farm visits and the wearing of protective booties. Additionally, they would like vector control agencies to notify the farmers before visiting so any additional biosecurity measures (e.g. disinfectant for shoes).

From KEYT
June 4, 2018

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – With summer weather and longer days does the increase in outdoor activity which means a higher risk of exposure to mosquitoes.

The Ventura County Health Division says that mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as the West Nile Virus and the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus or Western Equine Encephalitis Virus.

The Ventura Health Division monitors and controls about 2,400 mosquito breeding sources in Ventura County.

Health Officials advise people to eliminate standing water from their property, no matter how small, and to make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.

When going outside, make sure to wear protective clothing and apply an EPA approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. If you have rain barrels, you can mosquito proof them by covering the opening with a tight-fitting lid or a 1/16-inch mesh screen.

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From the Chico Enterprise-Record
June 4, 2018

Butte County Public Health is urging all horse owners to get their trusty steeds vaccinated for West Nile virus, the mosquito-borne illness transmitted to animals and people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Horses are at high risk for the virus because they spend most of their time outdoors, including dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes capable of transmitting the disease are most active. West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes breed in standing water, including ponds, water troughs and irrigation run-off, increasing the risk for horses.

While the last reported West Nile virus horse death in Butte County occurred in 2012, 21 horses statewide including some in Sacramento, Tehama and Glenn counties were confirmed positive for WNV in 2017.“We issue this reminder to get horses vaccinated every year in May or early June before the active WNV season really begins,” said Lisa Almaguer, Health Department communications manager. “It’s a precautionary measure because one-third of the horses affected with WNV die or have to be euthanized.”

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