Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in San Joaquin County for the first time this year.
It’s the fifth county in the state with West Nile activity so far. Aaron Devencenzi with the San Joaquin County Mosquito Control District says the disease is right on schedule.
“This is roughly the same time as last year that we found West Nile virus positive in San Joaquin County,” he said. “This particular area was in Tracy area as well as the southern part of our county near Ripon.”
West Nile virus can bring on flu-like symptoms and can also be fatal. Last year 11 people in California died from the disease. Over 200 people were diagnosed with the virus, but that was actually the lowest figure since 2011.
Devencenzi says the infection rate can vary quite a bit from year to year.
“As the weather continues to get warm, we went from 80s to 100-degree weather, the mosquito life cycle increases, and we’ll see additional mosquitoes and higher populations through the summer,” he said.
Devencenzi advises people to wear protective clothing and apply mosquito repellent, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
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