National Mosquito Control and Awareness Week is a Reminder to Californians
SACRAMENTO, June 24, 2016 – By now we are all very aware of the Zika virus that has continued to make headlines in the United States over the past several months. With much of the attention on Zika, it is important not to forget about the continued threat of West Nile virus (WNV).
WNV is responsible for hundreds of reported cases each year. It can cause severe disease that infects peoples’ nervous system, potentially resulting in death. In 2015, in California alone, 53 people were killed by the virus and 783 cases were confirmed.
As June 26 – July 2 has been declared National Mosquito Control Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association, now is an ideal time to remind individuals that Zika virus is not the only mosquito-borne threat. This week is intended to educate the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout the United States and worldwide.