Health Services Agency

Date: 06/24/2026
TURLOCK MAD: David Heft
Phone: (209) 634‐1234
East Side MAD: Dr. Wakoli Wekesa
Phone: (209) 522‐4098

STANISLAUS COUNTY - Turlock Mosquito Abatement District has found West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time during 2026 in mosquito samples collected from Stanislaus County. The samples were collected on June 16th. This serves as a reminder that West Nile Virus is present in the region and of the need to take precautions.

A positive mosquito sample, often referred to as a "mosquito pool," means a group of mosquitoes collected for testing was found to carry West Nile virus. While no human cases have been reported locally at this time, the detection shows that the virus is present in the area and that residents should protect themselves from mosquito bites.

As of June 19th, 2026, 67 WNV-positive mosquito samples and 49 WNV-positive dead birds have been reported across several counties statewide, including Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced counties in the Central Valley.

The East Side and Turlock Mosquito Abatement Districts (MADs) are urging residents in the Central Valley to stay alert and remove any standing water on their property. Warmer weather leads to more mosquitoes breeding in standing water and a greater risk of West Nile Virus. The districts will continue actively monitoring the mosquito populations and employing measures to control mosquitoes. 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 illness if they get West Nile virus. Adults ages 55 and older and people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for serious illness. Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Use insect repellent - Choose an EPA-registered product and apply it when spending time outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants - Especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• 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 horses 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 more 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 theCalifornia West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline:
At 1-877-968-2473 or westnile.ca.gov