HAYWARD – Due to the increased West Nile virus activity in the southwestern portion of Livermore, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District will be treating for adult mosquitoes in the evening of Thursday, September 14th, depending on weather conditions. District personnel will apply Evergreen ULV (5-25) Ground Public Health Insecticide by a truck mounted ultra-low volume sprayer. The treatment area is limited. Fontenett Ave and Concannon Blvd are the northern boundaries; Holmes St is the eastern boundary; Alden Lane is the southern boundary and Murdell Lane is the western boundary. A map of the treatment zones can be seen below.

Livermore has had a number of West Nile virus positive dead birds and groups of WNV positive mosquitoes in the treatment area. General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer explains “Given the number of dead birds and positive mosquitoes located in this small area, we believe a quick response will be the best way to bring mosquito numbers down.” Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during the spraying hours, which are limited to nighttime. The insecticide will break down in sunlight. We provide notification of adult mosquito control by email, to sign up, go to Stay in touch - https://www.mosquitoes.org/stay-in-touch and click “Fogging Notifications.”  To learn more about spraying for adult mosquitoes, see our website, https://www.mosquitoes.org/chemical-control.

Effective mosquito control relies upon residents to do their part. Residents are urged to be proactive by eliminating sources of water where mosquitoes can breed, such as plants, outdoor containers, unmaintained swimming pools and other cryptic places. Residents should also protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long loose clothing, repairing or replacing window screens in their homes, and wearing insect repellent in mosquito heavy areas. If you come across a dead bird please report it by calling (877) WNV-BIRD or online at CA West Nile virus website.

The District continues its mosquito surveillance and larval control program throughout the county, alongside our response to West Nile virus in the county.

As of September 8th, California has had 502 dead birds, 3,455 mosquito samples, 131 sentinel chickens, and 98 humans test positive for West Nile virus. Five people in California have died from West Nile virus this year. Due to the heavy rain from the winter, along with scattered showers in spring and summer, the numbers of West Nile virus cases in birds, mosquitoes and humans are higher this year than last year throughout the state.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus. Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Adults over 50 years old and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of serious complications. Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Horses are very susceptible to West Nile virus, however vaccines are available. Horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians immediately about timely vaccinations.

For information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus visit our website: www.mosquitoes.org. Residents can request mosquitofish for their fish ponds, horse troughs, etc. by contacting our District office. We are located in Hayward at 23187 Connecticut St. Our phone number is (510)783-7744. For information concerning West Nile virus symptoms, prevention or testing please contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510)267-8001.

Contact for media inquiries:

Judith Pierce, MPH

Public Outreach Coordinator

510-783-7744

judith@mosquitoes.org

Adult mosquito control area in blue:

Fontenett Ave and Concannon Blvd are the northern boundaries; Holmes St is the eastern boundary; Alden Lane is the southern boundary and Murdell Lane is the western boundary. A map of the treatment zones can be seen below.