News Release
For Immediate Release   -   October 10 , 2017
Contact: Deborah Bass, Public Affairs Manager

Direct:  925.771.6112
Cell:  925.260.4670
Email:  dbass@contracostamosquito.com


WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY CONTINUES IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 
More dead birds, chickens, and mosquitoes test positive for the virus

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - -  The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is reporting two more dead birds, two more chickens, and another group of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus.

The mosquitoes and one chicken were from an area near Knightsen and another chicken was from Martinez. The dead birds were collected from Martinez and Walnut Creek. 

For a list of all 2017 West Nile virus activity and locations, visit the  District's website

"The cooler weather is arriving, which is good news," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager. "That slows down mosquito production as well as the virus.

District personnel are conducting extra surveillance and mosquito control in the areas where virus activity was found.

Residents can reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines: 
  • Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their lives without water.
  • Defend yourself - use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
  • Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
  • Maintain neglected swimming pools. Just one can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. 
  • Report dead birds to the state hotline: by visiting the California Department of Public Health's website. All reports are crucial.
Since 2005, 58 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 200 6, two people died from the disease. For a current list of West Nile virus activity this year, visit this page on the District's website.   For human case information, please contact Contra Costa Health Services at 888-959-9911.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195 or visit the office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.
Follow us on Twitter
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control
925-685-9301
http://www.contracostamosquito.com