FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Fresno County Department of Health has announced that a dead bird was found in Fresno that tested positive for the West Nile virus.
“The WNV positive dead bird found in Fresno County is an indicator that the virus is active in our community,” said Dr. Trinidad Solis, the Fresno County Department of Public Health health officer. “Residents should take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”
The Fresno County Department of Public Health urged residents to contact their local mosquito control district about standing water or mosquito problems and to report neglected swimming pools, which the department said are a major source of mosquito production in urban and suburban areas.
To protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus, the department recommended practicing the “Three Ds”:
Deter: Apply insect repellent containing an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, according to label instructions. The department said insect repellents should be applied to children according to label instructions and noted that oil of lemon eucalyptus is not approved for children under the age of 3.
Dawn and dusk: Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus usually bite in the early morning and evening, the department said. Residents were advised to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during those times and to make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. The department recommended repairing or replacing screens that have tears or holes.
Drain: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, the department said. Residents were advised to eliminate sources of standing water on their property by emptying flowerpots, old car tires, buckets and other containers, and to adjust sprinklers to prevent irrigation runoff into streets and gutters. The department said persistent standing water in storm drains and roadside gutters can promote mosquito development. Residents who know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained were asked to contact their local mosquito and vector control agency.