High Risk of West Nile Virus in Elk Grove

Elk Grove and the surrounding areas have become local hot spots for West Nile virus this season, the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District warned today. The agency cautioned residents to avoid mosquito bites and said it will continue spraying insecticides in high-risk areas, a process it started a couple of weeks ago.

Thirty-four new mosquito samples tested positive for the virus Wednesday, the district said in a press release. The overall tally of positive samples for Sacramento County stands at 83, lower than this time last year but higher than in all of 2009.

The attached map shows positive West Nile Virus sample results in Sacramento County this year. View an interactive version here.

While all of southern Sacramento County has been affected, the district said Elk Grove and Wilton are particular hot spots for the disease, which can cause flulike symptoms in humans and sometimes leads to chronic, serious illness.

"We continue to see an increase in virus activity in these areas and the risk of human transmission is high,” said District Manager David Brown said in the statement. “Residents need to be aware and do everything they can to ensure they are not being bitten by mosquitoes because anyone can become infected."

No human cases have been reported here this year, but there have been at least 10 recent cases of human infection around the state.

Mosquitoes breed in and near stagnant water. Locally, that can mean rice fields or abandoned swimming pools in foreclosed homes. The district is asking residents to seek out and report potential breeding grounds.

Field workers for the district will be using truck-mounted fog machines to disperse mosquito-killing chemicals near parks in the 95624 zip code Wednesday night and Thursday morning, said district spokesperson Luz Maria Rodriguez.

The main ingredient in the insecticide is pyrethrin, also found in children's head lice medicine. The district says the fogging is safe, but encourages residents to remain inside with windows and doors closed while it is happening.

Residents can also obtain free mosquito repellent from the district by calling 1-800-429-1022.