Elk Grove, Calif.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the first five positive mosquito samples and two new dead birds infected with West Nile virus in both Sacramento and Yolo counties. Though birds had already tested positive in recent weeks, the positive mosquito samples found in both counties are coming much earlier than previous years and could signal a longer and very busy mosquito season. “This virus activity detected in the mosquito population is about a month early. Typically we don’t detect infected mosquito samples until July,” said David Brown District Manager. Based on the California Department of Public Health virus risk assessment, the District is in emergency planning mode. “We want to do what we can now to reduce immature mosquitoes and areas where they breed before they emerge as adult mosquitoes” added Brown.

Driving along I-5 between Pocket Road and Laguna Blvd. you may glimpse Sandhill cranes, American white pelicans, white-fronted geese, coyotes, numerous varieties of waterfowl, hawks, and other creatures.