San Francisco officials are warning residents in the area to eliminate standing water and take other precautions following the discovery of Yellow Fever mosquitoes in multiple locations in the Bay area. The county’s vector-control agency has authorized a warning that another potentially dangerous mosquito was spotted on April 10 in the same area of Menlo Park. Other than yellow fever, the mosquito also spreads chicken fever, the dengue fever, and other diseases. Officials call it “one of the worst most effective vectors of disease around the world.” This species has been detected at 13 spots this year but is not native to California, officials say, according to local paper The Almanac. No illnesses have been reported so far, and the viruses have not been found in California, according to a statement from the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District. The presence of the mosquito have led health officials to set traps for adults and telling residents to homeowners in the area to get rid of standing water on their properties. The Aedes aegypti are tiny black and white mosquitos that bite most often during the day. Health officials are advising the public to avoid Mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:
1. Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 and follow label instructions.
2. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
3. Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
4. Report neglected swimming pools by calling San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control (650) 344-8592
5. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when possible.
6. Use mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers.
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