As of April 13, 2010: West Nile virus (WNV) season is approaching. So far this year, there has been no WNV activity reported in El Dorado County. Health officials continue to monitor WNV activity, and enhanced surveillance and control activities resumed earlier this year.

For the latest West Nile Virus activity in California, click here.

Report Neglected Swimming Pools. The depressed housing markets and foreclosures have led to many neglected swimming pools in California.

Be a West Nile Watcher!  Help identify hot spots of WNV activity. Report dead birds and tree squirrels, 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online. 

Individuals are also encouraged to avoid mosquito bites by using personal protection measures: 

• Drain.  Empty all sources of standing water around property to reduce mosquito breeding.  Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, hot tubs and spas and keep them empty or covered when not in use.  Keep ponds and animal water troughs circulating or treated with “Mosquito Dunks” or mosquito fish.
• DEET.  Apply an insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or another approved substance on exposed skin when outdoors (always read and follow label instructions). For more information about mosquito repellent, click here.
• Dress.  Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito hours or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
• Dusk and Dawn.  Take extra precautions to prevent bites because mosquitoes are most active during these hours. 

There is no way to predict the level of mosquito activity the county will experience this year at this time.  The season relies heavily on the weather pattern, and a significant amount of wet weather, followed by hot temperatures, may cause an increase in mosquito activity.