Our Mission is to provide for the health, safety, and comfort of the residents within our district boundaries by the abatement of mosquitoes and other vector populations in order to minimize vector-borne diseases, The District accomplishes this task through constant surveillance and by employing the principles of integrated pest management in our efforts to control vector populations.

To report a problem click the Service Requests tab at the top of this page.

For information regarding the Chikungunya virus click the Q&As tab at the top of this page.

Get the latest CDC Zika information at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

The New York Times - Zika Virus video

Scientists in California are testing the use of bacteria-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to reduce their numbers and prevent the spread of the Zika virus.

Source: The New York Times.

The Current Mosquito Abatement Control Area in Green

**Note: If you are having problems viewing this map, please make sure your browser is up-to-date (specially Internet Explorer users)

HEALTH ADVISORY - February 8, 2016 PDF - Zika information for California healthcare providers

News Release PDF February 1, 2016 - California Department of Public Health Reminds Public to Guard Against Mosquito Bites

Public Announcement PDF Notice to certified organic farmers in Madera County

HEALTH ADVISORY - January 19, 2016 PDF - Zika virus in Latin America

HEALTH AND TRAVEL ADVISORY – December, 2015 PDF - Chikungunya and Dengue in Mexico and Latin America

News Release PDF December 9, 2015 - State Public Health Officer Urges Travelers to Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

News Release PDF October 14, 2015 - State Public Health Officer Warns of Invasive Mosquitoes Detected in California

News Release PDF July 8, 2015 - West Nile Virus Activity Increases Throughout California

Health Advisory PDF April 8, 2015 - California Sets Record for West Nile Virus Activity

Health and Travel Advisory PDF February 27, 2015 - Chikungunya and Dengue in Mexico and Latin America

Press Release PDF July 12, 2013 - Aedes Aegypti Found in Madera Ranchos & Parkwood Areas

NEWS RELEASE - August 19, 2016

End of Summer Travelers Urged to Take Precautions to Prevent Zika

SACRAMENTO – Travelers coming back from the Olympic Games in Rio and other vacation spots where the Zika virus is spreading are urged to take precautions upon return to help prevent the spread of the virus in California. While the virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, it can also pass from one person to another during sex.

"Summer travelers who spent time in Brazil or any other region with Zika-infected mosquitoes can protect themselves, their families and community members by taking a few simple steps,” said California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Continue using insect repellent to prevent spreading the virus to mosquitoes in your community upon your return and refrain from unprotected sex so you don’t pass the virus to your partner."

Men and women should use condoms for at least eight weeks after travel, and men who have tested positive for Zika should use condoms for six months to prevent transmission to their partners. Travelers returning from an affected region should also continue using insect repellent for three weeks to prevent the virus from spreading to mosquitoes, which might then infect others.

"Pregnant women and couples planning to have children need to be especially cautious because Zika can cause significant harm to a developing fetus," said Dr. Smith. "Pregnant women who have traveled to an area with Zika should inform their doctor upon return, and couples returning from an affected area should speak with a doctor before getting pregnant."

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly. Two infants with Zika-related microcephaly have been born in California this year to women who had Zika virus infections during pregnancy after spending time in an area where the virus is circulating in mosquitoes.

While mosquitoes that can carry the virus have been found in 12 California counties, there is no evidence these mosquitoes are transmitting Zika in the state at this time. A team of experts across several disciplines at CDPH is working closely with local public health departments, vector control agencies and the medical community to ensure that California is responding aggressively and appropriately to the emerging threat of Zika virus.

As of August 19, CDPH has confirmed 170 travel-associated Zika virus infections in 26 counties. A total of 24 infections have been confirmed in pregnant women.

For more information about Zika, visit the CDPH Zika website, which includes the following resources:

• Zika and Travel
• Zika and Pregnancy
• Zika and Sex
• Mosquito Bite Prevention

NEWS RELEASE - August 4, 2016

CDPH Reports Two Cases of Zika-Related Birth Defects in California

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported today that two infants with Zika-related microcephaly have been born in California to women who had Zika virus infections during pregnancy after spending time in a country where the virus is endemic. While mosquitoes that can carry the virus have been found in 12 California counties, there is no evidence these mosquitoes are transmitting Zika in the state at this time.

"This is a sobering reminder for Californians that Zika can cause serious harm to a developing fetus," said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. "We join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in urging pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with known Zika transmission. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and speak with a health care provider upon return."

"Zika virus can also be transmitted to sexual partners by both males and females. Both men and women of childbearing age should take precautions if they have recently traveled, or plan to travel, to a location where Zika is spreading," added Dr. Smith.

A team of experts across several disciplines at CDPH is working closely with local public health departments, vector control agencies and the medical community to ensure that California is responding aggressively and appropriately to the emerging threat of Zika virus. CDPH is actively monitoring all pregnant women with Zika infection in California. The Department is also collaborating with local health departments to provide assistance to families with infants born with Zika-related birth defects to ensure they receive appropriate medical care. Infants born to mothers with confirmed infections will be monitored for one year.

As of July 29, CDPH has confirmed 114 travel-associated Zika virus infections in 22 counties. A total of 21 infections have been confirmed in pregnant women. This information is updated every Friday on the CDPH Zika website.

While Zika infection is often asymptomatic, those who do have symptoms report fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika other than supportive care, rest, fluids and fever relief. People traveling to areas with known Zika transmission should take steps to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol for long-lasting protection. If using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label. Do not use insect repellent on infants less than two months of age.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If mosquitoes may come indoors, sleep under a bed net.
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying standing water from containers, such as flowerpots and buckets.

Sexually active adults who travel to areas with Zika transmission should use condoms or other barriers in order to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex. Couples planning pregnancy should speak with a health care provider about a safe time to wait before trying to get pregnant.

CDPH provides Zika-related pregnancy outcome data to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry maintained by the CDC. The CDC is collecting this information to better understand the risks posed by Zika infection during pregnancy.

In order to protect privacy, CDPH is not releasing additional details or the locations of the mothers and children. Infants born with birth defects, including microcephaly, as a result of maternal Zika infection do not pose a public health risk to their communities.

For more information about Zika, visit the CDPH Zika website, which includes the following resources:

STATEMENT RELEASE - February 23, 2016

CDC encourages following guidance to prevent sexual transmission of Zika virus

CDC has committed to sharing the latest information on Zika virus as it becomes available. On February 5, 2016, CDC published interim recommendations for protecting people against sexual transmission of Zika virus. This guidance was issued after lab confirmation of the first case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler in the continental United States, which was linked to sexual contact with an infected partner.

CDC and state public health departments are now investigating 14 new reports of possible sexual transmission of Zika virus, including several involving pregnant women. In two of the new suspected sexual transmission events, Zika virus infection has been confirmed in women whose only known risk factor was sexual contact with an ill male partner who had recently traveled to an area with local Zika virus transmission; testing for the male partners is still pending. For four additional suspected sexual transmission events, preliminary laboratory evidence (IgM antibody test) is available for the women, but confirmatory tests are pending. For eight other suspected events, the investigation is ongoing. In all events for which information is available, travelers were men and reported symptom onset was within 2 weeks before the non-traveling female partner's symptoms began. Like previously reported cases of sexual transmission, these cases involve possible transmission of the virus from men to their sex partners. At this time, there is no evidence that women can transmit Zika virus to their sex partners; however, more research is needed to understand this issue.

Although sexual transmission of Zika virus infection is possible, mosquito bites remain the primary way that Zika virus is transmitted. Because there currently is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Because these new reports suggest sexual transmission may be a more likely means of transmission for Zika virus than previously considered, CDC issued a Health Advisory Notice (HAN) today to underscore the importance of adhering to the interim guidance published on February 5.

The CDC's February 5 interim guidance includes:

Recommendations for pregnant women and men with pregnant sex partners who live in or have traveled to Zika-affected areas:

• Pregnant women and their male sex partners should discuss the male partner’s potential exposures and history of Zika-like illness with the pregnant woman's health care provider (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/). Providers should consult CDC's guidelines for evaluation and testing of pregnant women.
• Men with a pregnant sex partner who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission and their pregnant sex partners should use condoms the right way every time during sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) or abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy. Using latex condoms the right way every time reduces the risk of sexual transmission of many infections, including those caused by other viruses.

Recommendations for non-pregnant women, and men with non-pregnant sex partners who live in or have traveled to Zika-affected areas:

• Couples in which a man resides in or has traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who are concerned about sexual transmission of Zika virus may consider using condoms the right way every time during sex or abstaining from sexual activity.
• Couples may consider several factors when making this complex and personal decision to use condoms or not have sex:
• Zika virus illness is usually mild. An estimated 4 out of 5 people infected never have symptoms; when symptoms occur they may last from several days to one week.
• The risk of Zika infection depends on how long and how much a person has been exposed to infected mosquitoes, and the steps taken to prevent mosquito bites while in an affected area.
• The science is not clear on how long the risk should be avoided. Research is now underway to answer this question as soon as possible. If you are trying to get pregnant, you may consider testing in discussion with your health care provider.

These investigations are preliminary, and CDC will continue to update its guidance as more information becomes available.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

NEWS RELEASE - February 1, 2016

California Department of Public Health Reminds Public to Guard Against Mosquito Bites

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised that although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in California, people should always take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including removing standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary. Californians should also be advised of international travel alerts for the countries where Zika virus is circulating.

"Although no one has contracted Zika virus in California, mosquito bites can still be harmful and the public should take steps to protect themselves,"" said Dr. Smith. "Help reduce the risk of mosquito bites by removing standing water from around your home and wearing mosquito repellant when appropriate."

As of Jan. 29, 2016, there are six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California, all of which were contracted when traveling in other countries with Zika virus outbreaks in 2013 (1), 2014 (3) and 2015 (2). CDPH will continue monitoring for any confirmed cases in California and will provide weekly updates every Friday. To protect patient confidentiality, specific locations of infected patients cannot be disclosed.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that can transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes - which are not native to California - have been identified in 12 California counties, although there are no known cases where the mosquitoes were carrying the Zika virus in this state. The six confirmed cases of Zika virus in California were acquired in other countries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: American Samoa, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

People traveling to these and other countries with known Zika virus risk should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, including:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets

The CDC and CDPH have also issued guidance for pregnant women recommending they avoid countries where Zika virus is circulating. Pregnant women who cannot avoid travel to these countries should talk to their health care provider and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. The CDC and CDPH have also provided guidance for physicians on the evaluation of pregnant women and infants who may have been exposed to Zika virus.

Most people infected with Zika virus will not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash and eye redness. If you have returned from an affected country and have fever with joint pain, rash within two weeks, or any other symptoms following your return; please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. While there is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease, the best recommendations are supportive care, rest, fluids and fever relief.

There is concern that Zika virus may be transferred from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. Preliminary reports suggest that Zika virus may cause microcephaly (abnormal fetal brain development). This possibility has not been confirmed and is being actively investigated. CDPH has requested that health care providers report suspected Zika virus disease or associated conditions of microcephaly to local health departments. Local health departments will report cases to CDPH, which is coordinating referral of any specimens to CDC for diagnostic testing.

For more information on Zika virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit the CDPH Zika virus information webpage.

NEWS RELEASE - December 9, 2015

State Public Health Officer Urges Travelers to Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports of the mosquito-borne diseases chikungunya and dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian islands.

"We want all Californians to be extra careful when traveling to these regions and take steps to avoid mosquito bites," Dr. Smith said. "The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue are aggressive daytime biters."

Chikungunya is a viral disease characterized by acute onset of fever and severe joint pain. Dengue, another viral disease, is characterized by high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and in severe cases bleeding manifestations. For both, treatment is supportive, the disease is not contagious person to person, and there is no vaccine.

For 2015, 164 cases of chikungunya and 90 cases of dengue have been reported in California residents, all with a history of travel to areas where transmission of these diseases occurs. Of reported cases in 2015, 148 (90 percent) chikungunya and 77 (86 percent) dengue cases had a history of travel to Latin America. The number of reported California dengue cases with a history of travel to Mexico has increased in the last three years, with 80 in 2013-2015 compared to 17 in 2010-2012.

Three California residents have acquired dengue during the recent outbreak in the Big Island in Hawaii. There have been no cases of chikungunya and dengue acquired locally in California.

CDPH recommends that travelers prevent exposure to mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. In addition, make sure that your hotel or lodging has air conditioning or doors and windows with tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Chikungunya was first introduced to the Caribbean in late 2013, and by Nov. 30, 2015, over 25,000 confirmed cases were reported from the Caribbean and Central, South, and North America, including over 9,000 cases in Mexico. Dengue transmission has also been prevalent throughout Latin American countries in recent years, and the risk of dengue is present in several Mexican states, including Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are popular tourist areas).

If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with joint pain or rash within the two weeks following your return, please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. If your doctor suspects chikungunya or dengue, please protect yourself against mosquito bites until you recover. This will prevent spread of the virus to mosquitoes and potentially humans here in California.

www.cdph.ca.gov

NEWS RELEASE - October 14, 2015

State Public Health Officer Warns of Invasive Mosquitoes Detected in California

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is warning Californians to protect themselves from two invasive mosquito species recently found in California. Both species can transmit infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. This warning comes as two more counties are added to the list of counties where Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) have been detected.

"It is important to know these species of mosquitoes because they are not what we're used to in California, and they can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever," Dr. Smith said. "While the risk is still low in California, infected travelers coming back to California can transmit these viruses to mosquitoes that bite them. This can lead to additional people becoming infected if they are then bitten by those mosquitoes."

In September 2015, Aedes aegypti was detected for the first time in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Since 2013, when this species was first discovered in Madera, Fresno and San Mateo counties, it has been found in Tulare, Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, Orange, and Alameda counties. Also in September, Aedes albopictus, was detected in Kern and San Diego counties and has expanded in regions of Los Angeles County.

Neither of these mosquitoes is native to California. They are known for their black-and-white stripes, biting people during the middle of the day and readily entering buildings. The more-familiar Culex mosquitoes bite primarily at dusk and dawn.

"There is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya or dengue fever. To prevent these diseases from becoming established in California, it is important for everyone to take steps to keep these mosquitoes from spreading" Dr. Smith said. "If you notice that you are being bitten by mosquitoes during the day, or notice black-and-white striped mosquitoes, call your local mosquito and vector control agency. Your participation in mosquito surveillance greatly aids in efforts to detect new infestations."

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses present in California, such as West Nile virus disease, or abroad, such as chikungunya and dengue, Dr. Smith offers the following tips:

• Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and/or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your skin and clothing.
• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use air conditioning, and keep mosquitoes from getting into your home by having intact window and door screens.
• Eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sources, such as water-filled containers, from around your home and where you work. Drain water that may have collected under potted plants, in bird baths and discarded tires. Check your rain gutters to make sure they aren't holding water, and clean pet water-dishes weekly.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can lay eggs in containers holding as little as a teaspoon of water, and eggs, which are laid just above the water line, can survive dry conditions for months. This is why it is important to dump, drain, or eliminate unnecessary sources of standing water around your home and scrub containers to dislodge eggs.

If you travel to Mexico or other countries in Latin America, it is especially important to be aware of Aedes mosquitoes and the diseases that they can carry. This year, Mexico has had a dramatic increase in the number of chikungunya cases. So far, about one-third of the 120 chikungunya cases imported into California were contracted in Mexico, with 91 percent of cases coming from Latin America. Sixty-nine imported cases of dengue have been reported in California this year.

More information on Aedes mosquitoes, including prevention tips and a map showing the known detection sites, can be found on CDPH's website.

NEWS RELEASE - July 8, 2015

West Nile Virus Activity Increases Throughout California

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today announced that the level of West Nile virus (WNV) activity is on the rise throughout the state.

"While there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported so far this year, it is only a matter of time before we see the first case," Dr. Smith said. "As people go outdoors to enjoy the warm weather we've been experiencing, we'd like them to be safe and know how to protect themselves against West Nile virus."

Thirty-one California counties have reported WNV activity so far this year, 10 more than this time last year and above the five-year average of 18. To date, 240 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV, six more than last year at this time.

WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV. It is possible that the drought has contributed to West Nile virus amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes. As birds and mosquitoes seek water, they are coming into closer contact and amplifying the transmission of the virus.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the "Three Ds:"

1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older.
2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, by emptying flower pots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older have a higher chance of getting sick and are more likely to develop complications. Studies also indicate that those with diabetes and/or hypertension are at greatest risk for serious illness.

California's West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
www.cdph.ca.gov

PRESS RELEASE - April 8, 2015

California Sets Record for West Nile Virus Activity

SACRAMENTO - It was a record-breaking year for West Nile virus activity in 2014 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith announced today.

California had the second-highest number of human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2014 since the virus first invaded California in 2003. In 2014, California recorded 801 cases of the potentially fatal disease. In 2005, CDPH detected 880 cases of WNV.

The highest number of cases was in Orange County (263 cases) and the highest incidence occurred in Glenn County (35.3 cases per 100,000 population).

The level of WNV activity last year broke several records including:

• Five-hundred-sixty-one cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), the more serious neurological form of the disease often resulting in encephalitis or meningitis, were detected.
• The number of fatal WNV cases, 31, exceeded all previous years.
• The proportion of mosquitoes infected with WNV was the highest level ever detected in California (mosquito infection rate = 6.0; epidemic conditions equate with 5.0).
• The prevalence of WNV infection in tested dead birds, 60 percent, was the highest ever detected in California.

It is possible that the ongoing drought contributed to West Nile virus activity by creating more limited sources of water for birds and mosquitoes, according to Dr. Smith.

"As birds and mosquitoes sought water, they came into closer contact and amplified the virus, particularly in urban areas. The lack of water could have caused some sources of water to stagnate, making the water sources more attractive for mosquitoes to lay eggs," said Dr. Smith.

It is not possible to predict the level of WNV activity in 2015 because activity is influenced by many factors including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of immunity in birds to WNV.

As the weather warms up, mosquitoes become more abundant. Unseasonably warm weather this year could lead to increased mosquito abundance and promote an early start to the WNV disease season. The WNV season typically begins in the summer and tapers off in the fall months, with the highest risk for disease occurring in mid-July through September.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. For most people, the risk of serious illness is low. However, some individuals - less than one percent - can develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age or older and people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure have the greatest risk of developing serious complications.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the "Three Ds:"

1. DEET- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
2. DAWN AND DUSK - Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear protective clothing and repellent if you are outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including in flower pots, old car tires and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California&s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds through the website. Starting April 15, dead birds can be reported by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
Aedes Aegypti - FACT SHEETS
- In English
- En Español

Press Release (June 17, 2013) in PDF format here

For more information about how to identify and control the mosquito click here

Comunicado de Prensa (Junio 17, 2013) en formato PDF aquí

PRESS RELEASE: REVISED

AEDES AEGYPTI FOUND IN MADERA RANCHOS & PARKWOOD AREAS

According to the Madera Mosquito and Vector Control District, the Aedes aegypti has been found in traps in Madera Ranchos & Parkwood areas in Madera County. Madera Ranchos is approximately half way between Madera & Clovis.

A few weeks ago, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) was identified in a several block area on the west side of the city of Madera. This aggressive day-biting mosquito is not native to California; however it is a common mosquito in urban areas of the southeastern United States.

The Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District is working with the Madera County Department of Health to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. “Our goal is to eradicate this population” said Leonard Irby, the District’s Manager. “We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.”

The District continues to expand the search by going door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods to undertake control measures including education, source reduction, larval control, and local ground-based adulticiding (fogging) as necessary to target adult mosquitoes. Fogging will begin immediately in the infestation area.

Unlike our most common mosquito species in Madera, this tiny (approx. ¼ inch) distinctive black and white mosquito is a very aggressive day-biter. While they may be active around dusk and dawn, it is their day-biting habits that are most characteristic. Aedes aegypti is an efficient vector (transmitter) of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and several viruses that cause encephalitis.

Although the results for testing on the sample of Aedes aegypti found in traps are negative for dengue and chikungunya, the public is urged to take precaution by preventing mosquito bites.

“At this time, there is no need to consider vaccination for yellow fever, unless you plan to travel in an endemic area. Everyone should practice diligent mosquito control, because some mosquitos are vectors for other serious diseases such as West Nile Virus which is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley,” urged Dr. Thomas Cole, Health Officer for Madera County.

“Mosquito control is our best bet. Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day are urged to report them to the Mosquito and Vector Control District. We need the public’s help on this one” urged Leonard Irby, District Manager. Everyone can do something”. Below are tips on mosquito control and avoiding bites:

Mosquito Control

- Check your yard weekly for water-filled containers.
- Throw away or recycle water-holding containers that are not needed.
- If empty containers or large objects, such as boats or old appliances must be stored, they should be covered, turned over or placed under a roof that does not allow them to fill with water.
- Clean and scrub bird baths and pet-watering dishes weekly and dump the water from overflow dishes under potted plants and flower pots. Check that gutters are not holding water and cover rain barrels with tight screening so that mosquitoes cannot enter.
- Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with sand or soil.
- Check for hidden bodies of water such as wells, septic tanks, manholes, clogged drains, etc.
- Call the Mosquito & Vector Control District when you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes.

Avoid mosquito bites…Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn. Apply repellents such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing. In addition to wearing repellent, you can protect yourself and your family by using mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers, and installing or repairing window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Residents are urged to call or use the “Services Requests” tab (at the top) to report possible sightings.

***ATTENTION***

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District would like to inform you that we will be fogging your neighborhood on Thursday June 27th, between the hours of 3:00am – 8:00am. Please note this is a new fogger that will be spraying a Larveside to skill and larvae that may be breeding in containers that we may have missed during our door to door searches. This unit uses a gas engine that is much noisier than our Adult Foggers but only needs to spray the area once to cover the mosquito larvae sources.

Attached is a Resident Survey that we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to fill out and return back to us. You may fax, mail or hand deliver to the number or address listed above.

Also if you have containers with water please remove the water or treat the containers with BTI pellets that can be purchased at a local hardware store, The District appreciates your help in the ongoing effort eliminating the Aedes Aegypti breeding sources in Madera.

If you have any question or concerns, call the District at (559) 662-8880.

Thank you!

PRESS RELEASE - YELLOW FEVER MOSQUITO FOUND IN MADERA CA. - June 17, 2013

The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) was identified this week in a several block area on the west side of the city of Madera. This aggressive day-biting mosquito is not native to California; however it is a common mosquito in urban areas of the southeastern United States.

The Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District is working with the California Department of Public Health and the Madera County Department of Health to evaluate the extent of the infestation and will aggressively target problem areas to prevent its spread. “Our goal is to eradicate this population” said Leonard Irby, the District’s Manager. “We definitely do not want this mosquito to become established in our communities.”

The District will expand the search this week and go door-to-door in surrounding neighborhoods to undertake control measures including education, source reduction, larval control, and local ground-based adulticiding (fogging) as necessary to target adult mosquitoes. Fogging will begin immediately in the infestation area.

Unlike our most common mosquito species in Madera, this tiny (approx. ¼ inch) distinctive black and white mosquito is a very aggressive day-biter. While they may be active around dusk and dawn, it is their day-biting habits that are most characteristic. Aedes aegypti is an efficient vector (transmitter) of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and several viruses that cause encephalitis.

Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day are urged to report them to the District. “We need the public’s help on this one” urged Irby. “Anything holding even the smallest amount of water must be overturned and stored upside down. Please survey your property and discard any unneeded containers, cans, buckets, and tires, or move them into the garage. This mosquito is even known to lay eggs in water-filled holes in asphalt and concrete.”

Avoid mosquito bites! Use personal protection to avoid mosquito bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dusk and dawn. Apply repellents such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellents under clothing. In addition to wearing repellent, you can protect yourself and your family by using mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers, and installing or repairing window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.

Residents are urged to call or use the “Services Requests” tab (at the top) to report possible sightings.

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at (559)662-8880

MOSQUITO INVASOR ENCONTRADO EN MADERA, CA - June 17, 2013

El mosquito que causa la fiebre amarilla (Aedes aegypti) fue identificado esta semana en varias cuadras del área al lado oeste de la ciudad de Madera. Este agresivo mosquito pica durante el día y no es un nativo común de California; sin embargo es un mosquito muy común en las aéreas urbanas de los estados del sureste de los Estados Unidos.

El Distrito de Control para Mosquitos y Vectores en el Condado de Madera esta trabajando con el Departamento de Salud del Estado de California y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Madera para evaluar lo extenso de la infestación y atacar el problema para prevenir su propagación. “Nuestra meta es erradicar esta población” dijo Leonard Irby, Gerente del Distrito. “Definitivamente no queremos que éste mosquitos se establezca en nuestras comunidades.”

El Distrito expandirá la búsqueda ésta semana e ira de puerta-en-puerta en vecindarios circunvecinos para tomar control y medidas incluyendo la educación, reducción de fuentes, control de larva y fumigación como sea necesario para contra atacar los mosquitos adultos. La fumigación iniciará inmediatamente en las áreas de infestación.

Es diferente a la especie de mosquitos mas comunes de nuestra área en Madera, éste pequeño mosquito de (aprox. ¼ de pulgada) se distingue de color negro y blanco, muy agresivo durante el día. Aunque pudieran ser activos alrededor de la mañana y tarde, su hábito es picar de día, es una de las características que lo distingue. Este mosquito conocido como: Aedes aegypti es un vector eficiente (transmisor) de dengue, fiebre amarilla, chikungunya, y varios virus que causan encefalitis.

Residentes que experimenten picaduras de mosquitos durante el día se les pide informar al Distrito. “Necesitamos la ayuda del publico en éste caso” dijo Irby. “Cualquier objeto aún el mas pequeño que retenga la mínima cantidad de agua deberá ser volcado y almacenado al revés. Por favor vigile su propiedad y deseche los envases innecesarios, botes, cubetas, y llantas (neumáticos), o colóquelas en la cochera. Este mosquito es aún conocido por poner sus huevos en agujeros llenos de agua en el asfalto y concreto.”

Evite las picaduras de mosquito! Use protección personal para evitar las picaduras de mosquitos. Use camisa de manga larga, pantalones largos, calcetines y zapatos cuando los mosquitos están más activos, especialmente por la mañana y por la tarde. Aplique repelentes tal como DEET, picaridin, aceite de limón eucalipto, o IR3535 solamente a piel expuesta y/o prendas de vestir (como instruye la etiqueta del producto). No use repelentes por debajo de la ropa. Además de usar repelentes, usted puede proteger a su familia, usando los pabellones para cubrir la cuna, carriolas y portabebés de sus niños, también instale o repare los mosquiteros de las puertas y ventanas para impedir la entrada de mosquitos.

Información sobre las medidas de control puede encontrarse en esta página web.

Se pide a los residentes a llamar o usar este enlace “Services Requests” para reportar posibles sitios.

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases. The District can be reached at (559)662-8880

Chikungunya

What It Is

Chikungunya virus (ChikV) (chik-un-GOON-ya) is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes joint pain and severe arthritis. It’s not normally fatal, but is extremely painful and symptoms can last for weeks or even months. In elderly people with compromised health, it can be a contributing factor to fatality.

Symptoms

• Abrupt onset of fever & joint pain
• Joint pain often debilitating
• May last days up to weeks
• Joint pain may persist for several months or years
• In older people, can contribute to death

How It Spreads

• ChikV is spread by two species: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both are day biters.
• They are abundant through about half of the country, primarily in the south and east.
• They are container breeders and bite in or near homes and schools
• Unlike West Nile, humans are the reservoir for the virus – meaning that if a mosquito bites an infected human, it will become infected and can spread ChikV to other humans.
• Travelers returning from tropical climates are the ones bringing the virus back to the U.S. If Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti are present in your area and bite an infected returning traveler, local transmission can amplify.
• Even though Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti eggs can overwinter, the ability for an infected female to transmit the virus to progeny is very, very unlikely. By and large, these adults don’t survive the winter, CHIKV will not circulate (and will not be transmitted) until re-introduced by human travelers. That said, temperate areas with enough moisture can aid adults to overwinter.

How Is ChikV Detected

• Symptoms appear generally 4 – 8 days once bitten by an infected mosquito.
• 72 – 90% of those infected develop symptoms.
• At this time, there are no tests for ChikV in mosquito pools, only in human blood samples.

Why Are Aedes Mosquitoes Challenging to Control?

• Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are diurnal mosquitoes – active in daytime, resting in sheltered areas at night, especially Ae. aegypti.
• Aedes mosquitoes breed in sheltered areas and containers, like tires, gutters, pots, and wheelbarrows. Larviciding must reach these sheltered areas to be effective.
• Because Aedes rest at night, traditional adulticiding is difficult because mosquitoes are protected from contact with the adulticide.

What Should Mosquito Professionals Do?

• Identify whether you’re in an area likely to have ChikV (i.e., an area with significant populations of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti).
• Maintain surveillance and species counts for Aedes mosquitoes
• Implement a larval source reduction plan. Aerial larviciding with a liquid or granule, as well as ground ULV larviciding, have been used to reach containers of all sizes.
• Educate residents to reduce breeding sites, use repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
• Enlist volunteers to help get the word out in addition to posting on community websites, district websites and media outreach.
• If a case is identified, quickly learn if it was locally transmitted or an imported case. Make sure the correct information is being conveyed in the media. To date, most ChikV is imported by travelers who were infected in other areas and developed symptoms upon their return home.
• Use vector-appropriate adult control as human cases emerge. Why wait? Because a human has to bring it into the area. Since Aedes have a short flight range, activating adult control around human case tends to be the most efficient approach to adult treatment.

What Are Tools for Suppressing Outbreaks of ChikV?

• There are no medications or vaccinations for ChikV, only pain medication to treat symptoms.
• Rotate larvicides to avoid resistance. Natular’s active ingredient, spinosad, has a unique mode of action and novel class of chemistry.
• Because Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti are more active in daytime hours, if mosquito control is done in the evening/early morning hours using an adulticide with an agent to excite resting mosquitoes (i.e., Duet®) would aid in controlling more of the natural population. Traditional adult control products and protocols may not provide effective control at levels necessary to control outbreaks.

Resources

The following resources are available on the Clarke website (Home Page link): www.clarke.com

CDC Link
www.cdc.gov/chikungunya

Labels available on the Clarke website (Labels/MSDS): www.clarke.com

• Duet
• Natular G30
• Natular EC
• Natular T30

Ballot Results Summary available in PDF here

The Madera County Mosquito & Vector Control District is a public health agency dedicated to the control of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases.
The District can be reached at (559) 662-8880 or here on our website.

The Mosquito Abatement District’s program is based upon scientific approaches that have been incorporated into a compre¬hensive strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach that includes the following components: larval site monitoring, biological control, and the careful and strategic use of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled and registered pesticide products.

Mosquito Life Cycle

Mosquito deposit their eggs on the inside walls of containers such as fountains, buckets, tires, etc.

The district participates in the state wide surveillance system by maintaining two sentinel chicken flocks, testing dead wild birds, and by trapping mosquitoes for testing with CO2 baited traps. Combined, these give us a warning ahead of time each season about the activity of the virus.

The chickens are bled once every two weeks during the months of May through October. The chickens represent a critical element of the District's surveillance program and help to prevent any transmission of SLE, WEE and WNV to the human population.

The District operates an ongoing program throughout the year to monitor for the presence of mosquito borne viral activity. Whenever a virus is detected in a particular area, mosquito control procedures are intensified to reduce mosquito populations in order to reduce the potential risk for humans or animals contracting West Nile Virus.

CDC CO2 Trap	New Jersey Light Trap	Gravid Trap

Report dead birds on your property to The West Nile Virus and Dead Bird Hotline (877) 986-BIRD (2473) dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first indicators of the presence of West Nile Virus in the area.

You can protect your horse by having it vaccinated for WNV. The best time to have your horse vaccinated is early spring. Contact your veterinarian to get your horse vaccinated correctly.

A neglected pool has abundant organic matter or bacterial growth, often with leaves or other debris, resulting in green to blackish-colored water.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES BY USING REPELLENTS!
Before you go outside, apply a repellent containing DEET

To report a neglected pool contact:
Madera County M&VCD
3105 Airport Dr. Madera, CA. 93637
(559) 662-8880

Mosquito Fish

Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis)
Mosquito fish have brown-olive green backs, sometimes with silver grey yellow tinges, and silver bellies. Males average about 1 1/4 inches in length: females range from 1 to 2 1/2 inches in length. The species was described in 1854, and it's value to mosquito control recognized in the early 1900's. originally it was found in the southern United States, Mexico and Cuba. It has become spread through many parts of the world, and has adapted to many habitats, including cooler climates. Some strains can survive for short periods in shallow water under thin ice, but temperatures below 65 degrees F., and less than 14 hours of sunlight per day usually prevent reproduction. Mosquito fish bear live young in broods of 40 to 100 or more. Most females die after producing three or four broods. They nay drop all of their young in one season or part in the next. Mosquito fish have controlled mosquito larvae in rice fields when planted early in the season at the rate of 300 per acre. Efficiency can be increased by eliminating larger predator fish before planting mosquito fish, by providing water circulation and holding reservoirs, by deepening channels, and by controlling weeds.
Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District stocks area permanent ponds with mosquito fish, and makes a concerted effort to stock semi-permanent bodies of water within the District's boundaries beginning in March and April of every year. The mosquito fish, proven to be efficient predator of mosquito larvae, has a wide range of temperature tolerance, and will thrive unless it's water is highly polluted. Since they have a high reproduction rate during summer months, a relatively small beginning population will build up fairly to whatever population level any given pond will support,
The District maintains holding ponds of mosquito fish for Madera County residents who want to stock their own ponds or watering troughs. Anyone wishing to pick up starter stock of mosquito fish should call our district a day in advance, bring a container preferably a 5 gallon bucket or large ice chest, and make arrangements to minimize the time fish are in transport.

Reporting Dead Birds

All dead bird pickups have to be routed thought the dead bird hot line. 1-877-968-2473 or Contact the California West Nile Hotline by clicking the Crow Picture below.

Neglected Swimming Pools

Poorly maintained pools can provide a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes, the prime culprit in spreading WNV. A significant percentage of mosquito complaints stem from neglected pools. Abandoned and neglected swimming pools have always been a problem, but now with West Nile Virus and Foreclosures nearing record levels ,it's extremely important to treat neglected pools as soon as possible.