11 mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Kings County. A trap setup near a ponding basin on the east side of Lemoore off Bush Street captured two of the infected mosquitoes.
“That’s crazy that it’s so close, right here next door,” said Ricky Amerson.
Rickey Amerson runs the Fleet Reserve a popular gathering spot for older naval veterans.
“I’ll put the word out if I can to definitely be cautious,” said Amerson.
Those who are over 50 years old stand to suffer the most from West Nile Virus.
“Anybody can contract it, but the older you get the more likely you are to get the neuroinvasive form of the disease and that’s where you can get paralysis in your extremities and other serious side effects,” said Michael Cavanagh, Director of the Kings Mosquito Abatement District.
To combat the problem, workers are using pesticides to treat 185 neglected swimming pools across the city of Lemoore.
“We’re trying to kill as many mosquitos in their larval form as we can to prevent them from emerging as adults and biting somebody because that’s when the disease transmission occurs,” said Cavanagh.
“I don’t even remember the last time I was bit by a mosquito,” said Shane Eifel, a Lemoore resident.
Shane Eitel does not want it to happen now so he’s got his can of repellent nearby.
The abatement district is encouraging folks to take other precautions as well like dump or drain any containers of water on your property.
“I’ll be kicking them over, drying them out,” said Eifel.
And fix any holes in window and door screens to stop mosquitoes from getting inside your home. Eifel says even with some minor tears, his place should be secure.
“It’s been too hot to leave anything open, so with the air conditioner running you can’t afford to leave nothing open,” said Eifel.
In addition to taming the mosquito population, it’s important that you immediately report any dead birds you find so they can be tested for West Nile Virus.