Modesto Bee Article

By Ken Carlson, Staff Reporter
last updated: August 30, 2008 07:38:17 AM

If you are going to the lake or will be barbecuing this weekend, it might be a good idea to douse yourself and the kids with insect repellent.

Even though only a handful of human cases have been reported this year, Stanislaus County health officials said they've seen an increase recently in mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus. Infected mosquitoes have appeared throughout the county. As of Tuesday, San Joaquin County had recorded 120 positive mosquito samples.

Jerry Davis, general manager of Turlock Mosquito Abatement District, said positive tests in the district are up 67 percent compared with the mosquito sampling in June and July. Infected mosquitoes have been detected recently near the San Joaquin River, along Highway 132, and in the Denair and Hughson areas.

"Our mosquito populations are building up like they usually do in the fall," Davis said. "The risk level has risen, and so people need to take precautions to protect themselves."

In the past, health officials have noticed cases of people coming down with symptoms after hot spells like the one this week. Friday's high of 106 set a record for the date, according to the Modesto Irrigation District. The mosquito-borne virus replicates more quickly in high temperatures.

According to health experts, about 20 percent of people infected will have such symptoms as fever, headaches, body aches and nausea. Less than 1 percent develop severe illness, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, coma and paralysis.

In 2008, Stanislaus County has reported eight cases of people who tested positive for West Nile virus. Five had symptoms of West Nile fever, two had neuroinvasive illness, and one was a blood donor who had no symptoms.

Six cases have been reported in San Joaquin County and none in Merced County.

Moquitoes quit farms for towns

This also is the time of year mosquito species that can carry the virus move from farmland to populated areas. As crops are harvested, the displaced mosquitoes fly into town to look for a new home.

"Now would be an excellent time to check your property for areas that might attract mosquitoes," said Lloyd Douglas, manager of the East Side Mosquito Abatement District. The district is in charge of mosquito abatement in Modesto and other cities and farmland in the northern half of Stanislaus County.

The East Side and Turlock abatement districts have sprayed 153,713 acres to control mosquitoes this year. The districts use ground spraying equipment in residential areas and aircraft in sparsely populated areas.

Residents can keep their environment clear of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water. Homeowners should not overwater lawns and should dump standing water in backyard toys, flower pots and garbage cans.

Bee staff writer Ken Carlson can be reached at kcarlson@modbee.com or 578-2321.