LAKEPORT, Calif. – Two samples of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes collected in near Upper Lake this past Tuesday tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials reported.

“This is even earlier than last year, which set a record for the earliest West Nile virus activity in Lake County mosquitoes,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “In 2013 we had 62 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples from locations all over the county, and this looks like we’re going to have another early start to a long and busy West Nile virus season.”

In addition to the two mosquito samples, West Nile virus has been detected in three dead birds in Lake County in 2014.

Statewide, 13 California counties have detected West Nile virus this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. No human cases have been reported in California this year.

While fewer than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness from West Nile virus infection, the disease can cause symptoms that can last for several weeks, and neurologic effects can be permanent.

In some individuals, the infection can be fatal. People over age 50 and diabetics are at risk for the more severe forms of the disease.

“Since there is no West Nile Virus vaccine for humans, the best protection is to prevent mosquito bites,” says Lake County Health Officer, Dr. Karen Tait. “Taking precautions against mosquito bites is a habit that should be practiced consistently as long as mosquitoes are active.”

“Staying indoors during early morning and evening hours, keeping window screens in good repair, wearing protective clothing and use of insect repellents according to package instructions will help reduce your risk of catching the infection,” according to Dr. Tait.

“This weekend’s high temperatures are going to help push the virus along,” said Dr. Scott. “Both the mosquitoes and the virus thrive in warm temperatures.”

The mosquitoes that transmit WNV develop in out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, and other sources of standing water.

The district has free mosquito-eating fish to control mosquitoes in these sources. Residents are encouraged to contact the district to report neglected pools, request service for mosquito problems, or to get mosquito fish at 707-263-4770 or to fill out a service request online at www.lcvcd.org .

The Lake County Vector Control District traps and tests mosquitoes throughout the county to identify the areas that have the highest risk, and targets those areas for source reduction and treatment using an integrated vector management program.

Residents with questions, or who would like help with a mosquito problem should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or visit the district Web site at www.lcvcd.org .

For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ .

Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html .