SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District announced on June 18 that the first signs of West Nile virus (WNV) activity have been detected in Yolo County as one mosquito sample collected from Davis has tested positive for the disease.

This finding comes a week after a mosquito sample also tested positive in Sacramento County.

"As the weather gets warmer, WNV activity will steadily increase," said Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager Gary Goodman. "This is a cause for concern, especially as summer is around the corner and we are approaching the hottest months of the year when activity typically intensifies. We urge residents to continue taking proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes."

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District’s “D's” of Mosquito Prevention practices include draining standing water that might produce mosquitoes and avoiding being outdoors dawn and dusk. Also dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside and defend yourself by using an effective insect repellent and following label directions. Another practice is to make sure that door and window screens are in good working condition.

Call district personnel at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net to address mosquito problems.

In response to the recent findings, the district will continue to monitor West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing. In addition, to quickly reduce mosquito populations and protect public health, ground treatments will also be conducted in areas where virus-positive mosquitoes have been detected.

For current information about district activities, visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents can also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.