| | Contact: Rachel Curtis-Robles, PhD Public Health Education and Outreach Officer Protect Yourself and Your Family from Mosquito Bites this Holiday WeekendBurlingame, CA (August 30, 2024) - San
Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District advises the public to
stay protected from mosquito bites and West Nile virus during the
upcoming holiday weekend. West Nile virus has been detected in
dead birds and adult mosquitoes throughout the Bay Area and many parts of California. West
Nile virus is primarily a disease of birds. However, humans, horses,
and other animals can become infected with West Nile virus if
bitten by an infected mosquito. West Nile virus cannot be spread from
person to person. “A
mosquito infected with West Nile virus can pass the virus to any person
it bites,” said District Manager Brian Weber. “It’s very important that
residents are aware of the risk of West Nile virus and protect
themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.” To
date in 2024, the District has not detected West Nile virus in
mosquitoes in San Mateo County during routine disease surveillance
activities. However, West Nile virus has been detected in 22 dead birds collected
from throughout the County – mainly in the Menlo Park area. West
Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the neighboring counties
of Santa Clara County, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County. “Especially
on a holiday weekend, when many people travel and spend additional time
outdoors, we’d like to remind everyone to stay safe from mosquito
bites,” said Public Health Education and Outreach Officer Rachel
Curtis-Robles. “Using an EPA-registered repellent provides safe,
effective protection from mosquito bites and the diseases they can
transmit.” To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, people should: - Avoid
outdoor activities in the early morning and evening, since the
mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus bite during these times.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants if outdoors during early morning and evening to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient such
as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535® according to
label instructions. Insect repellents discourage mosquitoes from biting.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair holes to keep mosquitoes out.
For
assistance with a mosquito problem in San Mateo County, contact the
District at 650-344-8592. For more information about West Nile virus
and District services, go to the District’s website at www.smcmvcd.org. About the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District: We
are an independent special government district that is focused on
protecting the public health of the residents of San Mateo County
through a science-based program of integrated vector management
that is responsive to the community. The District delivers specific
services to residents and businesses under the guidance of a Board of
Trustees comprising representatives from each of the 20 cities in San
Mateo County and the County Board of Supervisors.
 | You
can report a dead bird through the state's website. Dead bird reports
are often the first sign that West Nile virus is active in an area, and
the reports help track West Nile virus throughout the year. Read more |
 | Are mosquitoes biting you in or around your home? Submit a report HERE or call 650-344-8592 to report biting mosquitoes. Read more |
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