LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Vector Control District has confirmed that five mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus this week in Lake County. 

The positive mosquitoes were collected from Lower Lake and Anderson Marsh, the agency said.

In June, a black-headed grosbeak from Clearlake tested positive for West Nile virus, as Lake County News has reported.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Lake County this year, officials said.

It’s important to wear mosquito repellent and to dump out any standing water on your property, said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director for the Lake County Vector Control District.

Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:

• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes grow in standing water.
• Defend yourself with mosquito repellents containing Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or PMD. Need help finding a repellent to meet your needs? The Environmental Protection Agency has a search tool to help you choose the repellent that is right for you at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you#search tool.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are biting, typically dawn and dusk.
• Maintain swimming pools. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
• Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/report_wnv.php. All reports are crucial.

Residents with questions about West Nile virus or who would like help with a mosquito problem are urged to contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit the district Web site at www.lcvcd.org.