First Detection of West Nile Virus for 2020

Cotati, CA. September 18, 2020-The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed finding the first dead bird infected with West Nile virus (WNv) for 2020. The American Crow was collected near Nantucket Cove and Catalina Blvd. in San Rafael and is the first detection of West Nile virus activity for the 2020 season.

"A positive dead bird provides an early warning of increasing virus activity in birds and mosquitoes,” said Nizza Sequeira, Public Information Officer for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. "Residents can help in the fight against West Nile virus by continuing to report dead birds to the West Nile Virus Hotline at westnile.ca.gov, reducing mosquito production on their properties and reporting mosquito problems."

District staff will continue to trap, test, and monitor the abundance of adult mosquitoes in the area and perform control operations as necessary. Vector control technicians are inspecting all documented sources of mosquito production as well as checking for new sources.

West Nile Virus infection can cause serious disease, including inflammation of the brain and central nervous system. Marin County clinicians are required to report West Nile Virus cases to Marin Public Health. “Last year, we were fortunate not to have any human cases in Marin, but the presence in birds shows we’re at risk.” Said Danielle Hiser-Honda, Marin County Public Health nurse. “It’s important to take precautions to limit the mosquito population, and to prevent bites.”

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District, in accordance with the California Department of Public Health, recommends repellents that contain one of the following active ingredients:

DEET
Picaridin
Oil of lemon eucalyptus
IR3535

Other ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito bites include:

Stock permanent water features with mosquitofish (available for free from our District)
Be sure to properly screen and/or secure lids on rain barrels or water storage containers
Do not over-water lawns
Clean out bird baths and animal water bowls at least twice a week
Keep swimming pools and hot tubs properly chlorinated
Make sure that septic tank lids are properly sealed and vent pipes are screened
Report mosquito problems at 707-285-2200 or online at www.msmosquito.org

Website Accessibility Policy

Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District is fully committed to providing accessible facilities, elements and channels of communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has a policy of providing an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and commercial screen reading software. All features of the website are coded to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities. We welcome feedback and can often resolve issues in a timely manner if they arise.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Call us at (707) 285-2200

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance Officer

Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has designated a compliance officer for website disability-related accommodations. The compliance officer has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices. Contact our accessibility officer to report an issue.

Compliance Procedures and Reports

In addition to testing with users with a wide range of disabilities and coding our website to WCAG standards, Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District regularly scans its website to ensure ongoing compliance, and makes timely changes to any inaccessible changes, if any are found.

Linked Documents and Third Parties

Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites, such as state or federal agencies, that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties included in our agenda packets, for example. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

See an opportunity for us to improve? Please contact our accessibility officer or call us at (707) 285-2200.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests as soon as possible.