South San Francisco, CA February 19, 2015 Submitted by San Mateo County Health Dept
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District continues to detect invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in San Mateo County. This species was most recently found on January 27th, 2015 in areas of Menlo Park.
Aedes aegypti is not native to San Mateo County. It is a small, day-biting mosquito that prefers to feed on humans. This mosquito is capable of transmitting several viruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. While these viruses are not currently transmitted in San Mateo County, they are periodically introduced by international travelers. In the presence of a large population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, a single case of one of these diseases has the potential to become an epidemic.
In an effort to eradicate this invasive species, San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District continues to conduct intensive surveillance in areas of the county where Aedes aegyptihas been detected. These efforts include door-to-door inspection of residential properties for standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito lays its eggs just above the water surface in small containers, such as flower pots, plant saucers, pet bowls, bottles, and bird baths. As these mosquitoes can breed in amounts of water as small as a bottle cap, residents are reminded to survey their property and immediately eliminate all standing water.
Residents can reduce the chances of being bitten by Aedes aegypti or other mosquitoes by taking the following precautions:
- Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 and follow label instructions.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight‐fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes and repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
- Eliminate standing water and containers that can hold water from around the home.
- Report neglected swimming pools by calling San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
- Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when outdoors.
Residents experiencing mosquito bites during the day should report them to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (650) 344‐8592 or by visiting www.smcmvcd.org.