June 26, 2006 - (STOCKTON, CA) – The first West Nile Virus (WNV) positive bird was found in the Tracy area, zip code 95376.  This find is the first evidence of WNV for 2006 in San Joaquin County. “With evidence of WNV activity appearing in northern California, the risk of human infection is increasing.  It is important to remember, West Nile Virus is here to stay,” said Aaron Devencenzi, spokesman for the San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District.  “We urge residents to take precautions in order to reduce their risk of WNV,” said Devencenzi.  The District also encourages the public to continue to call in dead birds to the California Department of Health Services at 1-877-968-2473 or www.westnile.ca.gov. 

The San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) is in full force, eradicating mosquitoes to reduce their populations.  In addition, the San Joaquin County West Nile Virus Task Force continues to educate the public through flyers, news articles, interviews, and community outreach efforts. It is important as ever to encourage the public to do their part in mosquito prevention.

Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

• 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.
• Report significant mosquito infestations to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at 209-982-4675 or 1-800-300-4675.

In 2005, there were 36 human cases, 19 horse cases, 38 groups of mosquitoes, and six flocks of sentinel chickens that tested positive for WNV in San Joaquin County.  Last year, the first positive bird was reported on June 8, in the northern area of the County.

For more information about West Nile virus:

• Report mosquito problems to:

SJC Mosquito & Vector Control District at (209) 982-4675 or 1-800-300-4675

• San Joaquin County recorded information line:  (209) 469-8200
• San Joaquin County WNV website: www.sjgov.org/oes
• Report dead birds to 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov

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