Invasive mosquitoes that have the potential to transmit the Zika virus have been found in Northern California, KCRA reported.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District said it found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Citrus Heights on Thursday. The mosquitoes were found at a home and in a street storm drain.
AdvertisementThe Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District said it has found this species of mosquito as well. One female was located Wednesday in a residential neighborhood in south Placer County east of Auburn Boulevard at Interstate 80, Placer County officials said.
“As a mosquito and vector control, we protect the public by preventing the risk,” said Joel Buettner, general manager for the Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Buettner said there have been no reports in California of a mosquito transmitting the Zika virus to a person.
“We want to be very clear, there is no disease problem here right now, it’s just the mosquito," he explained. "By having that mosquito around, we have the possibility of a whole slew of other diseases that could be transmitted in the future.”
This type of mosquito prefers to feed on humans. They "pose a significant health threat because they can transmit deadly viruses including Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya," the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District said in a news release.
These viruses, however, have not been found circulating in California, officials said.
In response to the non-native mosquitoes, officials will be conducting ground treatments in neighborhoods along the Sacramento-Placer county line starting early Friday.
“We will be doing a lot of things, like going door-to-door and doing very detailed inspections to properties to find these little hiding places,” Buettner said.
Buettner said homeowners should get rid of any standing water, wear protective clothing and report any daytime mosquito bites to officials.
“We need folks to help prevent the spread of, even reduce the number of mosquitoes,” Buettner said. “Wherever you can see water pooling, the mosquito can, too. Try to avoid those and get rid of them permanently, if you can.”
Invasive mosquitoes were detected in Stockton, Modesto and Turlock earlier this month.
