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Politics & Government

'Yellow Fever' Mosquitos Found on Peninsula

Residents are urged to eliminate all standing water around yards and homes.

San Mateo County health officials are warning residents that the type of mosquito that can carry yellow fever has been found in several spots around Menlo Park. 

Fourteen larvae and three adult "yellow fever" mosquitoes -- also known as Aedes aegypti -- have been collected from traps since Aug., 23, when the species was detected at the Holy Cross cemetery in a residential area of Menlo Park, according to the San Mateo County Vector Control District. 

The mosquito, which is not native to California but is common in urban areas in the southeastern United States, can transmit diseases including yellow fever and dengue, though the risk of transmission is extremely low, county Health System spokeswoman Robyn Thaw said. 

Aedes aegypti is a small black-and-white mosquito that bites most during the day. Residents are urged to eliminate all standing water around yards and homes, use insect repellant and make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens with no holes. 

Vector control districts on the Peninsula will be teaming up with fire and health departments in the coming weeks to educate the public and prevent the species from establishing a population in the region, Thaw said. Neglected swimming pools, which can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes, should be reported at (650) 344-8592 or (408) 918-4770. Residents who experience mosquito bites during the day should report them to the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (650) 344-8592 or the Santa Clara Vector District (408) 918-4770.

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