Mosquito Found in Watsonville Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

Contributed by the Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control

For the first time in our County, a mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus, a bird virus spread by mosquitoes that can also infect people and animals. The mosquitoes were collected in the Freedom Boulevard area south of Green Valley Road, from a trap placed on Landis Avenue. In addition, one positive dead bird was collected earlier this month from the Thurber Lane area of Santa Cruz. 


"A virus-positive mosquito means there are some mosquitoes capable of infecting people now- it only takes one unlucky bite," said Paul Binding, mosquito control manager for the County. “We urge everyone to reduce the risk by emptying standing water in your yard and to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors at dawn or dusk. The disease can be life changing; these simple precautions can protect you from serious illness."  


Residents are urged to report dead birds to the West Nile Virus state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. Reports may also be made online at www.westnile.ca.gov  Dead bird reports are an important tool for West Nile virus detection and to determine the location of higher risk areas.

• Residents are also urged to help reduce their risk by following these guidelines:
• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquito can't begin their life without water.
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when mosquitoes are present, typically Dawn and Dusk.
• Report neglected swimming pools by calling 831-454-2590 or visiting www.agdept.com/mvc.html. 

Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.  

To date, there have been no human cases reported of West Nile virus in Santa Cruz County, although the disease has sickened87 people in California this year. Studies have shown that the majority of cases go undiagnosed and unreported. West Nile virus can cause fever and sometimes neurological symptoms. The species of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus prefer to feed on birds; however, people can become infected when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands.

Call the Mosquito and Vector Control program to report mosquito problems at (831) 454-2590 or to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.  

For information concerning human West Nile virus symptoms, prevention, or testing, please call the Santa Cruz County Health Services department at (831) 454-4114 or visit http://www.santacruzhealth.org/phealth/cd/West%20Nile/4westnile.htm . For information concerning West Nile virus and horses, please call the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch at (916) 654-1447.