Public Service Announcement
Friday, July 21st 2023
The Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District has detected more evidence of West Nile virus in Sutter and Yuba Counties in 2023. Mosquito samples collected this week in the Tierra Buena area, Meridian, Acme Road area, Live Oak, Pleasant Grove, Hallwood, Sutter, West Yuba City, Marysville, Hillcrest, Linda, Edgewater, West Sutter County, and in Rio Oso have tested positive for the virus. Mosquito samples collected last week in the Tierra Buena area, Meridian, Acme Road area, Live Oak, Pleasant Grove, and Hallwood previously tested positive for the virus. Given this, Sutter County and Yuba County residents should consider West Nile virus presence as widespread in our region. Hot daytime temperatures have hastened mosquito production. Traps are showing a high abundance of this WNV vector for this time of year. Risk for disease is elevated. Residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The District’s surveillance system continues to be in full operation and mosquito control efforts are being instituted or enhanced in areas where detections are made. We have had no detections of WNV in dead birds, sentinel chicken flocks or humans.
Dr. Phuong Luu, Bi-County Health Officer for Yuba County and Sutter County, would like to remind the public that prevention of mosquito bites is the best way to protect against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses at home and when traveling. Taking the following simple steps to prevent mosquito bites are the best ways to keep you and your family healthy. Remembering the 4 “D”s is an easy way to help prevent mosquito bites:
D – DEET – apply mosquito repellants containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 when mosquitoes are active or biting. These are the EPA approved mosquito repellents recommended to prevent bites (https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you). Always follow package instructions for appropriate age and directions for use.
D – Dawn and Dusk – limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active. Wear long sleeves and pants if you have to be outdoors when mosquitoes are present.
D – Doors and windows – keep screens in good repair and keep mosquitoes out, by making sure that the screens on your doors and windows are not broken or torn.
D – Drain all standing water around the outside of your home – buckets, jar lids, tires and flower pot trays are some common places. Report green swimming pools to the District.
Residents are asked to report dead birds to the California Department of Public Health website at www.westnile.ca.gov or by phone at 877-968-2473. You can obtain additional information by visiting our website at www.sutter-yubamvcd.org
For questions regarding these detections, contact the District office at 530-674-5456 ext. 0 between the hours of 7 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday thru Friday, excluding Holidays.