| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- September 28, 2010 |
| Contact: Deborah Bass dbass@ccmvcd.net
|
MORE WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY IN EAST COUNTY
- Mosquitoes and bird test positive in Antioch & Oakley -
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - West Nile virus season continues with more mosquitoes testing positive for the virus, this time in Antioch, as well as a dead bird from Oakley, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today. The mosquitoes were trapped near Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road, and the bird was found near Fetzer and Jordan Lanes.
District technicians are conducting further surveillance, inspections and treatments in the area to suppress mosquito populations.
"These species of mosquitoes emerge from water in catch basins (street drains) and other man-made sources," said Carlos Sanabria, operations manager for the District. "We urge residents to reduce lawn over watering, car washing and other activities that supply catch basins with water and provide these mosquitoes a place to thrive."
Other man-made sources include neglected swimming pools, flower pot saucers, ornamental ponds, horse troughs, gutters, puddles made by leaky or broken faucets, etc.
For all West Nile virus activity in Contra Costa County, visit their website.
West Nile virus precautions include:
Reporting DEAD birds to 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473) or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Not all birds will be picked up and tested, but reporting dead birds provides important information for mosquito control efforts.
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DEFENDING yourself against mosquitoes by using a repellent with an effective active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure to follow label directions.
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DRAINING all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats. Residential sources, such as neglected swimming pools, can be a big producer of mosquitoes in Contra Costa County.
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Making sure DOOR and window screens fit tight and are in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
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Vaccinating your horses. Horses are highly susceptible to West Nile virus - approximately half of the horses that get West Nile virus die or have to be euthanized.
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Avoiding DAWN and DUSK times when outdoors since this is when mosquitoes are most active.
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DRESSING appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.
People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito fogging or spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's Web site and opt to receive the notifications automatically by e-mail; they can view information directly on the District's Web site; or they may phone the District for a recorded message at (925) 771-6195.
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, a 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 or horse troughs. Fish are also available at the Antioch Corporation Yard located at 1201 W. 4th Street in Antioch.
For information concerning human West Nile virus symptoms, prevention, or testing, please call the Contra Costa Health Services department at (888) 959-9911 or visit their Web site.
For information concerning West Nile virus and horses, please call the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch at (916) 654-1447.
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