The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s (District) mosquito surveillance system has detected elevated West Nile virus (WNV) activity with 18 positive samples collected last week, June 18 through June 24, 2023.

“According to our laboratory records, this past week marked the second-highest total of WNV-positive samples collected for this time of year (Week 25) since 2004,” explained District Manager Omar Khweiss.

“It is strongly advised that people look around their properties and remove any standing water to help reduce mosquito development,” stated Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District. “In addition, with the holiday weekend coming and a forecasted heat wave, use EPA-registered repellent when outdoors.”

With this finding, the District will be increasing mosquito control efforts to further reduce the mosquito populations in these areas and to protect human health.

The District urgently requests residents and visitors of San Joaquin County to follow some simple instructions to reduce their risk of WNV infection.

Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito development.

Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk, and especially for the first two hours after sunset. When outside, apply EPA registered insect repellent containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), or Para-menthane-diol (PMD) when outdoors, according to label instructions.

When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other protective clothing.

Exclude mosquitoes from your home with tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.

Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equines against WNV.

Report significant mosquito infestations and daytime biting mosquitoes to San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District at www.sjmosquito.org; (209) 982-4675; 1-800-300-4675.

Additional tips and information can be found at San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control website www.sjmosquito.

Detailed insect repellent information can be found at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Mosquito-Repellent.aspx