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Mosquito-borne Diseases
Mosquitoes have plagued humans since prehistoric times. Specimens discovered in fossilized amber have been found intact, some containing a full bloodmeal in their gut. Surprisingly, throughout history, more people have died of mosquito-borne diseases than from any other single cause of mortality, including wars and famine. But only in the last 100 years has science been able to prove that mosquitoes can transmit important pathogens of man and animals.
Mosquitoes are known vectors a of human disease. West Nile Virus (WNV), Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Dengue Fever, Malaria And Yellow Fever, are all human diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. The State of California utilizes mosquito abatement districts, health departments and other agencies to set up and operate mosquito-borne virus detection programs. The results of these programs give Health Department, University of California, and State government officials and Mosquito Control Districts localized information on disease presence. This allows officials to make decisions regarding mosquito abatement programs before human disease occurs. The State recognizes that only some of the many mosquito-borne diseases exist here in California. Only WEE, SLE, WNV, and Malaria are considered public health threats to Californians.
It is important to detect mosquito-borne viruses before human disease occurs. The Sutter-Yuba Mosquito and Vector Control District's virus detection program takes 3 routes in its search for active virus. First, every week during the mosquito season, mosquito collections are made in Sutter and Yuba counties. Some of the mosquitoes are packaged according to protocol and sent to a University of California lab. Then, tests for viruses are performed and the results are reported to the District. Secondly, seven chicken flocks are maintained in various places in the district for use as sentinels in the virus detection process. Every 2 weeks a blood sample is taken from each bird and tested at a UC lab. Results will show whether virus has been transmitted to the chickens by mosquitoes. New to the program is the dead bird surveillance program. Residents anywhere in the State of California who come upon or discover a dead bird are strongly encouraged to telephone toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD. Do not touch or move the bird. A call screener will be able to determine if the bird specimen is suitable for virus testing. If it is, arrangements will be made for an official to come out and collect the bird. In Sutter and Yuba counties, a Sutter-Yuba MVCD employee will likely respond. It will be tagged and tested at a UC lab.
Other mosquito-borne viruses have been isolated in California. Jamestown Canyon Virus, California Encephalitis, and Morrow Bay Virus all exist but have not been categorized as public health concerns for Californians.
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