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September 2024 Newsletter

West Nile Virus Update

Red text says "Report Dead Birds" with a web address (westnile.ca.gov) and phone number (1-877-968-2473) with an icon of a black bird upside down (dead). With the District website (www.smcmvcd.org) and logo in another box in the image

As of September 11, a total of 26 dead birds collected in San Mateo County have tested positive for West Nile virus. Residents have reported over 409 birds so far this year, of which 124 were in appropriate condition for testing. Stay up-to-date with San Mateo County information. Stay up-to-date with statewide California information.

No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus yet this year in San Mateo County. However, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in other counties in Calfornia, so if you are traveling don't forget to take your mosquito repellent and follow other tips to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread. 

Mosquito Diseases in the News

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) made national news as some Massachusetts towns implemented curfews or strongly recommended residents stay in their homes starting at dusk each day to avoid mosquito bites. The good news is that we don't have this virus in California. To learn more about the disease, visit the CDC's webpage about EEE.

Oropouche virus is also making the news as travelers were diagnosed. The virus is known to spread by the bites of biting midges, and possibly by some species of mosquitoes.  From December 2023–June 2024, Oropouche virus disease outbreaks have caused over 8,000 cases reported in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Peru. For most people, Oropouche virus disease is mild.  This virus is not in California. If traveling to an area with an outbreak, prevent mosquito and biting midge bites by following bite-prevention precautions. To learn more , visit the CDC's webpage about oropouche virus.

West Nile virus also made the national news as Dr. Anthony Fauci was ill with the disease. West Nile virus is found seasonally throughout California during the summer months. About 1 in 5 people who become infected with West Nile virus will have symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting in the days after being bitten by a mosquito. Older individuals are at higher risk for serious illness, so it is especially important to follow tips for preventing mosquito bites.

Annual Report

Three people looking at a mosquito dipper (a small white cup on the end of a wooden stick) while outdoors in a marsh, text "Annual Report 2023", and a logo - San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District.

Check out our 2023 Annual Report to get a snapshot of some of the work we did last year! Our annual report includes a high-level overview of our finances, information about integrated vector management, and short summaries of many of the services we offer and work we do.  There are also lots of photos of our amazing staff in action!

Avoid Mosquitoes and Their Bites

Computer-generated image of two people surrounded by a dashed line, with mosquitoes outside of the line. There is also an image of a bottle of mosquito repellent. Text reads "Protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus. Use an EPA-registered repellent for safe, effective protection. EPA-registered repellents have a registration number on the container. Learn more at www.smcmvcd.org/epa-registered-insect-repellent 650-344-8592 www.smcmvcd.org

Stay safe from mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry. Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus. Protect yourself from mosquito bites with these simple steps:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in the early morning, evening, and night when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellent – EPA-registered repellents are safe and effective. EPA-registered repellents typically include one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, and permethrin (for pre-treating clothing).
  • Once a week dump items that contain water, such as tires, buckets, plant saucers, toys, kiddie pools, birdbaths, or trash containers. Mosquitoes need water to grow from egg to adult – removing water means reducing mosquito populations.
  • Check and repair broken screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
  • If you notice mosquitoes around your house, call the District or submit an online service request for a technician to investigate the problem and stop the mosquitoes.

Tick-bite Prevention Kits Now Available

Photograph of various papers with words including: tick-bite prevention, insect repellent, common ticks of California, tick-bite prevention kit. A pair of orange tweezers, a yellow device for removing ticks, and two packets of insect repellent wipes.
Tick-bite prevention kits include a variety of resources to help protect you from tick bites and the diseases they can transmit.

Do you live in San Mateo County? Do you spend time outdoors in natural areas? Would you like a no-cost tick bite prevention kit? You can request a kit be delivered to your house.

 

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