Five more dead birds, chicken contract West Nile

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed Wednesday that five more dead birds and one chicken tested positive for West Nile virus. The birds were found in Antioch, Alamo, Brentwood, Concord and Orinda. The chicken is from Holland Tract, near Knightsen.

“Taking precautions against mosquito bites wherever you are is important,” said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., scientific program manager with the District. “While we are not surprised at the level of West Nile virus activity at this, the peak of the West Nile virus season, our surveillance system is clearly working to illustrate where the hot spots may exist. We have elevated our surveillance and control in these areas to alleviate risk of disease transmission and ask that residents take proper precautions against mosquitoes and their bites.”

Currently, there are no adult mosquito fogging events scheduled.

Visit the District’s website to learn of all West Nile virus activity in Contra Costa County this year, or to receive automatic adult mosquito fogging notifications should they be scheduled.

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 2006, 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 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get free mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.

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