"Although fall officially starts tonight, we are still seeing fairly high levels of West Nile virus activity, particularly in central Contra Costa County. Until overnight low temperatures consistently drop below 55 degrees, the risk of disease transmission persists, and residents should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate sources of standing water on their properties," said Scientific Program Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D.

To reduce the risk of WNV, the District advises Contra Costa County residents to:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent that includes one of the four most effective active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or the repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Make sure door and window screens are in good working condition
• Report dead birds to the California West Nile Virus Dead Bird Call Center
• Report neglected swimming pools to the District
• Contact the District to request mosquito service

Contra Costa County residents can report dead birds by phone at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online. County residents can request mosquito service for their residential properties and report neglected swimming pools by calling (925) 685-9301 or online.

Since 2003, 77 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. For human case information, please visit the California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section online.

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord.