Report a Dead Bird
Report Online

OR CALL
1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473)

Preventive Measures

Given the drought, saving water is certainly a good idea (if done properly); however it becomes imperative that homeowners take the proper precautions to ensure they are not producing mosquitoes. In hot weather, mosquitoes can go from an egg to an adult in as little as 7-10 days posing health threat for diseases such as West Nile Virus.

Here are some tips that can help prevent mosquitoes if you are saving water.

• It's always best to use a container made specifically for saving water such as a rain barrel (rather than buckets, garbage cans or other home made containers). It is extremely important to ALWAYS use a mosquito-proof screen which is usually a fine mesh (1/16 of an inch) to seal and cover the rain barrel. If the barrel is covered, this will reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes becoming a problem.
• Keep the rain barrel lid and connectors sealed.
• Ensure that the water you save is free of organic material such as leaves and other debris.
• Be sure to always remove the water that pools at the top of the barrel at least once or twice a week.
• If possible, place your barrel on a surface that will soak up any water that overflows.
• Always inspect your rain barrel system, check for cracks or leaks. Be sure that all fittings and seals are intact and that no water accumulates on the ground around the barrel.
• Clean the barrel, drain it and clean it at least a couple of times a year.
• If the barrel is holding a lot of water, get free mosquitofish. Each one can eat at least 300 mosquito larvae per day. Residents can request mosquitofish online at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net.
• Lastly, if needed, consider using a larvicide product which kills mosquito larvae, a variety of products are available on the shelves of garden centers.

Information for Health Care Providers

To report a human West Nile Virus infection OR to submit a specimen for West Nile Virus Testing:

• Complete a West Nile Virus Case History Form and a West Nile Virus Sample Submission Form and send to:

Fax:
(530) 669-1549

or  

Mail to:
Yolo County Health Department
137 N. Cottonwood St, Ste 2600
Woodland, CA 95695

CDC West Nile Virus Guidelines for Clinicians

Helpful Links

• California West Nile Virus
  Start here for all things West Nile Virus in California including the latest statistics for human, bird and horse cases in Yolo County and California.
• Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control
  Go to this for the latest prevention and mosquito control activities in Yolo County.
• CDC West Nile Virus
  Go to this site for the latest federal statistics and disease prevention information.
• West Nile Virus Fact Sheet
  Download and share this fact sheet to educate friends, family, and neighbors about West Nile Virus

Yolo County  Health and Human Services Agency
 Communicable Diseases
 137 N Cottonwood Street, Woodland, CA 95695

Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Main Line (530) 666-8645, Confidential Fax (530) 669-1549
After Business Hours (24/7) Contact the MHOAC at (530) 321-3620

Yolo County Press Releases             Health Alerts (CAHAN)

List of Reportable Diseases              Report a Disease

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