OAKLEY MOSQUITOES POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
Residents urged to wear repellent, report neglected pools
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District reported the first virus-positive mosquitoes for this year from Oakley. The group of mosquitoes were collected from the vicinity of West Cypress Road and Ohara Avenue.
"It's summertime and West Nile virus activity is to be expected," said Dr. Steve Schutz, scientific program manager for the District. "The virus is endemic to Contra Costa County, and California for that matter. This is a good reminder that we need to take precautions against mosquitoes and their bites. Anyone of any age can be infected from a mosquito bite if that mosquito carries the virus."
Residents can help reduce their risk by following these guidelines:
- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquito 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 a million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
- Report dead birds to the West Nile Virus Hotline 1-877-968-2473. Dead bird reports are an important tool for West Nile virus detection. Lack of dead bird reports decreases the District's ability to detect high risk locations.
Since 2005, 36 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Studies have shown that the majority of cases are undiagnosed.
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.
For information concerning human West Nile virus symptoms, prevention, or testing, please call the Contra Costa Health Services department at (888) 959-9911. 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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