West Nile virus found in five Fresno mosquito traps

Inspectors have found evidence of West Nile virus in five mosquito traps in the city of Fresno, authorities announced this week.

The virus found in the common house mosquito remains a serious health threat, the Fresno County Department of Public Health said. The department encourages residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate any water sources – including small containers – where mosquitoes can develop.

Mosquito season means increased mosquito activity, including the spread of Aedes aegypti, or “yellow fever,” mosquitoes. These mosquitoes heighten the risk of additional mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya and Zika viruses – especially coupled with travel out of the country.

Use insect repellents properly while traveling and after returning home to help stop the spread of exotic mosquito-borne illnesses.

To learn more about West Nile and preventing mosquito bites visit: www.cdc.gov/westnile.

To learn more about mosquito-borne illnesses visit the FCDPH Mosquito-Borne Illness page on the county’s website, or go to www.fresnomosquito.org. Residents can also call the Fresno County Department of Public Health at 559-600-3200or Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District at 559-268-6565.

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 3:02 PM with the headline "West Nile virus found in five Fresno mosquito traps."