Health Services Agency

Date: June 26, 2025
Turlock MAD: David Heft
Phone: (209) 634-1234
East Side MAD: Dr. Wakoli Wekesa
Phone: (209) 522-4098

STANISLAUS COUNTY—Turlock Mosquito Abatement District detected West Nile Virus (WNv) for the first time during 2025 in mosquitoes collected from Stanislaus County. The mosquito samples were collected on June 17th. This finding serves as a reminder of West Nile Virus in the region and the need to take precautions.

As of June 20 th, 2025, 199 WNV-positive mosquito samples and 17 WNV-positive dead birds have been reported across several counties statewide, including Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tulare, and Kern counties in the Central Valley.

Locally, the East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts (MADs) are urging residents in the Central Valley to remain vigilant and report any sources of standing water. A sustained warm-up is expected as early as next week, which could lead to a rapid increase in mosquito populations and the transmission of West Nile Virus (WNv). In response to this situation, both districts are enhancing their mosquito surveillance and control efforts. This includes applying larvicides to known mosquito breeding sites, adulticiding or spraying when necessary, and testing mosquito pools for arboviruses, such as West Nile virus. The Districts anticipate more WNV and mosquitoes in the coming months.

Protection takes planning. People ages 55 and older are at higher risk for serious symptoms if they get West Nile virus. If you're 55 or older, now is the time to make and use your summertime plan to protect you and your family from infected mosquito bites that can spread West Nile virus.

• Use insect repellent – Choose an EPA-registered product and apply it when spending time outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants – Especially during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)
• Keep mosquitoes out – Use tight fitting screens on windows and doors, and fix any holes.
• Use air conditioning – When possible, keep windows and doors closed
• Report neglected swimming pools to your local mosquito abatement district.
• Contact your veterinarian for information on vaccinating equines against WNV.

For general mosquito prevention:

• Dump and drain standing water – Mosquitoes breed in still water, so empty buckets, tires, birdbaths, flowerpots, and other containers regularly

For additional information or to request service, residents should contact their local District:

Reporting Mosquito Activities:

If you notice an unusual number of mosquitoes or mosquitoes that bite during the day, contact your local mosquito control agency:

• In Stanislaus County:
  • East Side Mosquito Abatement District - (209) 522-4098
  • Turlock Mosquito Abatement District - (209) 634-1234

Reporting Dead Birds:

Dead birds can be an early warning sign of West Nile virus in your area. Report them to the California West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline:

At 1-877-968-2473 or westnile.ca.gov