CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - -
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed today that three dead birds and two groups of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus. Two dead birds were from Concord and one was from Antioch. The mosquitoes were trapped in Byron and Brentwood.
"We had several days of hot weather over the past week and saw a bit of a resurgence of West Nile virus activity,"
said the District's Scientific Program Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D. "This is a good reminder that even though Labor Day has passed, the mosquito season is not quite over yet, and we need to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquitoes and mosquito bites."
Residents are urged to help 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: 1-877-968-2473 or by visiting the California Department of Public Health's website. All reports are crucial.
Since 2005, 55 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.
