The ongoing threat of West Nile Virus (WNV) has taken a concerning turn in California's San Mateo County, with a recent update from the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) revealing that as of yesterday, six more dead birds have tested positive for WNV, bringing the county's total to eight focal points. The affected birds were found in various locations, including Burlingame, Redwood City, San Carlos, and Menlo Park, according to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District has been coordinating with the San Mateo Health Department to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, actively seeking out and testing mosquito samples from areas where dead birds testing positive for WNV have been found. Fortunately, all trapped mosquitoes in San Mateo County have tested negative for the virus thus far.
California has not been spared from the impact of West Nile Virus, with the virus being detected in most counties statewide, including 25 counties with human cases. As of September 22, there have been 153 human cases reported in California, with six of them resulting in fatalities. Statewide, 5,490 dead birds have been reported to the dead bird hotline, 1,641 have been tested, and 654 have tested positive for WNV. Besides the avian hosts, 3,983 mosquito samples, 155 sentinel chickens, and 21 horses have also tested positive for WNV.
Residents are encouraged to contribute to the prevention of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus by reporting any sighting of a dead bird in good condition (head and eyes intact and not infested with flies or ants) as per the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District. The California Department of Public Health’s West Nile virus call center is available with live operators to receive calls at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or via their online reporting platform at westnile.ca.gov. Members of the public should also take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using safe, effective mosquito repellents.
