WEST NILE VIRUS RISK CONTINUES- MORE MOSQUITOES AND BIRDS INFECTED
ADULT MOSQUITO FOGGING SCHEDULED IN CONCORD TOMORROW
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District is reporting another group of mosquitoes and four more birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus bringing the total number of birds and groups of mosquitoes this year to fifteen and four. The group of mosquitoes was collected in Brentwood near Sellers Avenue and Chestnut Street. One bird was collected from Walnut Creek near Bancroft Road and Oak Grove Road; one from Oakley near W. Cypress Road and Empire Avenue; and two from Concord, near Oak Grove Road and Treat Boulevard, and Oak Grove Road and Minert Road.
"Our surveillance of the area coupled with the public reporting dead birds has enabled us to locate an area of higher risk of West Nile virus," said Carlos Sanabria, operations manager for the District. "Our technicians are using a concentrated and diverse strategy to locate and treat immature mosquitoes before they become flying, biting adults. For those adult mosquitoes already present, we'll fog areas that meet specific criteria to reduce the risk of transmission and protect public health." People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito fogging or spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the notifications automatically by email; they can view the schedule and maps directly on the District's website; or they may phone the District for a recorded message at (925) 771-6195.
Residents are urged to continue to report dead birds to the West Nile Virus state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. Reports may also be made online at www.westnile.ca.gov 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.
Residents are also urged to 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 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
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, 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.
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.
|
