ABC 30 Action News informed Clovis residents on Saturday, July 12 that an unusual species of mosquitoes is breeding in the small patches of standing water found throughout the city.
Clovis has the dubious distinction of being the first place the yellow fever mosquito has been seen in California. These mosquitos earned their name by spreading, among other diseases, yellow fever. Luckily they can only infect a person if they have previously bitten someone who is already infected, so the danger here is not as great presently as it would be in other parts of the world.
Public health authorities, however, are taking the matter seriously and brochure printers will likely be called into service to help inform the public on how to prevent their property from becoming mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes reproduce in stagnant water and only a small amount is required. Moreover, mosquito eggs can lay dormant until such a time as water collects and stagnates where they were laid.
The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District has already commenced spraying for the pest. They are asking people to contact them if mosquitoes are biting them during the day, as this is indicative of the yellow fever mosquito. Due to the potential health risk of this mosquito, the public is asked to be especially vigilant in policing their property for standing water.
