Invasive mosquito detected in Dixon, Solano County says
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An invasive species of mosquito was detected and collected in Dixon last month, according to an alert issued by Solano County health officials on Thursday.
The insect was positively identified as an "Aedes aegypti mosquito," which is not native to California and has the potential to spread diseases like Zika, yellow fever, dengue and others.
"They are small, dark mosquitoes with white markings and banded legs," a Solano County health official said in a statement emailed to Solano NewsNet on Thursday. "Because these mosquitos live near and prefer to feed on people, they are more likely to spread these viruses than other types of mosquitos. The mosquitoes are most active during the day, and they often bite indoors, but it is also active around dusk and dawn."
“We plan to do everything possible to eliminate this invasive mosquito in order to protect residents from the potential risks that come with it,” says Miguel Cardenas, the manager of the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District (SCMAD). “We will continue surveillance throughout the area.”
"Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property to control the species, including turning over flowerpots, eliminating spare tires, treating swimming pools and drainage ditches, which are common breeding sources of the Aedes aegypti mosquito," a SCMAD spokesperson said this week. "Any unmaintained swimming pools and stagnant water should be reported by calling the SCMAD at (707) 437-1116."
For more information on local mosquito abatement, visit the Solano County Mosquito Prevention website by clicking or tapping here.