The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, which works to track and control<\/a> mosquito populations and West Nile virus activity in the area, is experiencing a busy season, according to Public Information Officer Luz Maria Robles. Sacramento County confirmed its first human case in early July<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been a year where we have seen more activity in terms of the human cases throughout the state,\u201d Robles said. \u201cAnd then for us, as a district, too, it\u2019s been very busy especially in comparison to 2025.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The California Department of Public Health describes West Nile virus<\/a> as the most common and serious vector disease in California. Mosquitoes spread the virus to humans, birds and other animals through their bites. Most people infected have no symptoms, but about one in five develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological issues and be fatal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr. Phuong Luu, Sacramento County\u2019s health officer, said that even though a small percentage of those with the virus experience severe symptoms, it is crucial for everyone to understand the risk. While children, the elderly and immunocompromised people are more likely to have a difficult time fighting the virus, everyone should take precautions, Luu said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI think most residents and individuals are just saying, \u2018What\u2019s the big deal? It\u2019s just a small mosquito bite,\u2019 but it can be a big deal,\u201d Luu said, noting that in rare cases even otherwise healthy individuals can experience intense symptoms. \u201cPrevention is the key. You don\u2019t want to roll the dice of a progressively severe disease.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Luu recommends practicing the D\u2019s of mosquito prevention<\/a>: draining standing water, dressing in long sleeve shirts and pants, and defending yourself with an effective repellent, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, I wouldn\u2019t take that chance,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m always cognizant and diligent about those D\u2019s.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The West Nile virus activity map<\/a> from the county control district shows the majority of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus are in Arden-Arcade, Elk Grove and Woodland.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Effie Yeaw Nature Center along the American River in Carmichael regularly educates volunteers and visitors on mosquito safety, according to Executive Director Rachael Cowan. This year, she has noticed an increase in mosquitos, and visitors and volunteers are actively protecting themselves in light of the recent West Nile virus cases.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOn the daily, I\u2019m swatting them away,\u201d Cowan said.\u00a0<\/p>\n While the county can come out to spray areas with high activity<\/a>, Effie Yeaw is a no-spray zone to protect the preserve and wildlife. Cowan said she has seen similar numbers of mosquitoes in and outside the center, and she regularly uses insect repellents, like DEET, as well as mosquito repellent bracelets.\u00a0<\/p>\n Robles said one of the most important steps toward prevention is draining standing water, where mosquitoes breed.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it be a bucket, a watering can, or a pet dish, anything that holds water for more than a few days can and will become a mosquito breeding source,\u201d she said. \u201cMosquito control is a collaborative community effort. We rely on people doing their part because we can\u2019t be everywhere.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Mosquitoes throughout the region<\/p>\n Sacramento resident and avid kayaker Karl Bly runs the American River Lost and Found Facebook page<\/a>, where he regularly posts hauls of lost items he finds in the river and tries to find their owners. Bly said he is on the river four to five times a week and always keeps repellent in his bag, but he has not noticed a big increase in mosquito activity. He attributes this to local dams keeping the water flow consistent.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs they lower the water, it leaves ponds and puddles along the river\u2019s edge, and this year they\u2019ve kept it at a fairly constant level,\u201d Bly said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bly pointed out that people visiting the river usually come during daytime hours, so they may not be worried about taking preventive measures.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMost people are out there just splashing around in the sun and having fun,\u201d Bly said. \u201cBut in the evening hours, if you\u2019re going on a picnic or walk around the river, you definitely need to have some mosquito spray with you or wear clothing covering your skin.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"California](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789391530_338_full.png\")
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