MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER


WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE
How rising temperatures are impacting West Nile virus season

Take one look at the thermostat and you know it's summer. And summer is prime time for mosquitoes because the warmer weather allows young mosquitoes to develop more quickly into biting adults.

This year, California is experiencing a very active year for West Nile virus infected mosquitoes and dead birds statewide; however, Contra Costa County is actually experiencing a less active year -- at least so far.

Through late July, two mosquito samples, five dead birds and two chickens have all tested positive for West Nile virus in Contra Costa County. Year to date and over the previous five years, there has been an average of four mosquito samples, nine birds, and two chickens that have tested positive for West Nile virus within the county.

Statewide, the number of mosquito samples and dead birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus appear to be on course to exceed last year's totals as they are already ahead of the five-year averages.

Why is Contra Costa County faring better than other parts of the state, at least so far? One likely reason is our county is geographically diverse and the cooler western areas of the county are not as favorable to mosquitoes or virus transmission. That means most of our West Nile activity is concentrated in other areas of the county.
 
According to the District's Manager of Scientific Programs Steve Schutz, Ph.D. - "We are seeing a typical summer pattern of high West Nile virus activity in the eastern portion of the county during periods of warmer weather. And due to the warm weather, risk levels are up District-wide. We still need  residents to do their part: eliminate standing water to prevent mosquitoes and report dead birds so that we can conduct testing and identify areas where we can focus our mosquito control efforts."

Residents who are being bitten by mosquitoes should place a few dead mosquitoes in a clear plastic bag for identification and then  contact the District for a free inspection.

Report dead birds to the state hotline: online or by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-3473). The reports help the District's surveillance program and help protect public health. Don't forget to wear repellent. Technically, we're just half way through summer though mosquitoes most likely won't let you forget it.


How To Get Automatic Adult Mosquito Spraying            Schedules & Breaking News

To learn when and where we are fogging for adult mosquitoes, sign up for our spray notifications. You can interact with the map and learn each and every street in our spray zone each time. 

Want breaking news such as when we find West Nile virus or other mosquito-borne diseases? Sign up for our automatic emails delivered right to you.  You choose which publications you wish to receive.


Popular Videos

HOW TO PROPERLY APPLY MOSQUITO REPELLENT
Should you apply repellent directly to your skin? How about your clothing? Should kids and adults use the same products? Learn the answers to these questions in this informative video.
MOSQUITO CONTROL AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU
An excellent video courtesy of Bayer that details the importance of mosquito control in your community.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REQUEST SERVICE FOR HELP WITH RATS?
Go on a virtual service call and learn about the service available to you for free --your tax dollars at work.  
Currently, several of our surrounding counties are experiencing very high, if not unprecedented, levels of West Nile virus activity. For a wider, more comprehensive view, check out the state's website.

Meanwhile, news of Zika virus abounds and is important, but staying vigilant and proactive towards our present threat, West Nile virus, is crucial.

Let's keep our eye on the proverbial ball, or in this case, the potential mosquito-breeding water source.

Be safe.  Be well. Wear repellent.

Enthusiastically,



  Deborah Bass
  Public Affairs Manager
  Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control

Follow us on Twitter
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control
925-685-9301
dbass@contracostamosquito.com
http://www.contracostamosquito.com