West Nile Virus Update

As of August 22, a total of 14 dead birds collected in San Mateo County have tested positive for West Nile virus. Residents have reported over 320 birds so far this year, of which 94 were in appropriate condition for testing. Stay up-to-date with San Mateo County information HERE. Stay up-to-date with statewide information HERE.

No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus yet this year in San Mateo County. However, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in other counties in Calfornia, so if you are traveling don't forget to take your mosquito repellent and follow other tips to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread.  Learn more HERE.

Mosquito Traps - An Important Part of Our Work

We use a variety of mosquito traps in our everyday work for detecting mosquitoes. These traps are not meant to trap all the mosquitoes in an area; rather, they attract and collect a few mosquitoes so that we can monitor the number and species of mosquitoes in an area. In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, our staff set extra traps to collect mosquitoes for West Nile virus testing.  The traps we most commonly use in the summer are specially designed to collect the types of mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus.  They have a cooler holding dry ice (carbon dioxide) to attract mosquitoes, and they have a small, battery-powered fan to pull mosquitoes into a mesh bag, where they are held until our staff collect the trap the next day.  Traps are typically set in the afternoon and collected the following morning.

As the weather warms and mosquito activity increases, our staff are setting extra mosquito traps in many locations to track/stop the spread of West Nile virus.  Our traps are made in-house and occasionally receive attention from the public. All our traps are labeled as ‘Disease Surveillance – Do not disturb’ with our District logo and phone number, and you can call at any time with questions about our traps. 

Trustee Robert Riechel Recognized for 20 Years of Service

A resolution was approved at the July Board meeting in recognition of 20 years of service by Trustee Robert Riechel. Trustee Riechel joined the Board in May of 2004 and has served continuously since then. Throughout his tenure, Trustee Riechel has been an active and passionate participant in local government, contributing to various committees, including Policy and Finance committees, and has shown exemplary service. Robert Riechel's expertise, dedication, and thoughtful decision-making have been instrumental in guiding the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District through numerous challenges and successes, ensuring the well-being and progress of our community. Trustee Riechel has fostered a spirit of collaboration and civic engagement, encouraging open dialogue and participation from all community members, thus strengthening the democratic process and enhancing the quality of life for residents. His service has been characterized by his integrity, professionalism, and a deep sense of duty, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. The District looks forward to his continued contributions as a valued member of the Board. Thank you Trustee Riechel for your dedicated service!

2024 Big Lift Summer Program Support

During the school year, our classroom education outreach program is very busy!  During the summer, we lend the classroom materials to summer programs.  This year, our classroom materials were lent to the Big Lift Inspiring Summer programs held at schools throughout San Mateo County. The Big Lift initiative is led by the County of San Mateo, San Mateo County Libraries, and San Mateo County Office of Education with the aim of increasing third grade reading proficiency in San Mateo County through evidenced-based strategies and collaboration with community stakeholders. We're glad to spread mosquito learning and maximize the use of our classroom resources by lending materials to this program.

Vacant Board Position (City of San Mateo)

The City of San Mateo is seeking a resident to represent the City on our District's Board of Trustees.  If you or someone you know (who lives in the City of San Mateo) might be interested, please click HERE to learn more about the opening.  You can click HERE to learn more about our Board.

Tick-bite Prevention Kits Now Available

Do you live in San Mateo County? Do you spend time outdoors in natural areas? Would you like a no-cost tick bite prevention kit? Click HERE to learn more and request a kit.