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WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY RAMPS UP WITH SIX MORE INFECTED DEAD BIRDS
Oakley and Pittsburg newest cities for virus detection
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) announces that six more dead birds are positive for West Nile virus. Five of the birds are American crows and one is a Western scrub-jay. Two birds were found in Pittsburg, and one bird each was found in Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, and Oakley. Location details can be found on the District 's website.
"We'd like to thank our residents for reporting dead birds to the state hotline," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. "Dead birds allow us to locate where West Nile virus activity is taking place so we know where to concentrate our mosquito control efforts."
Birds are the reservoir for West Nile virus. People can become infected when a mosquito bites a bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. West Nile virus of the severe form can be fatal.
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 life without water.
- Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
- Report neglected swimming pools by calling 925-771-6195 or visiting www.ContraCostaMosquito.com Anonymous calls accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
Since 2005, 42 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cases are not diagnosed and grossly under reported. For 2013, a total of four groups of mosquitoes and 11 dead birds have tested positive for the virus.
Visit the District's website or click on these links for current West Nile virus activity or to receive automatic emails for when the District fogs for adult mosquitoes.
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 their office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools. | 
