BIRDS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN PLEASANT HILL AND KNIGHTSEN
Public is urged to wear mosquito repellent and report neglected swimming pools and other mosquito sources
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that two more birds tested positive for West Nile virus. The birds, both American crows, were found near Sunset Road and Eden Plains Road in Knightsen and Viking Drive and Contra Costa Boulevard in Pleasant Hill.
"The risk of West Nile virus is elevated due to several factors," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. "Those include hot weather, the presence of infected dead birds, as well as high populations of mosquitoes in the area."
Bass urges residents to check their properties for mosquito sources and to report any neglected standing water to the District, especially neglected swimming pools since they can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. Reports may be made anonymously.
"We just want to know where the mosquitoes are so we can reduce the risk of West Nile virus and protect people," Bass added.
Residents are urged to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are present.
West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks.
Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. West Nile virus infection can be fatal.
Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:
- Don't produce mosquitoes on your property. 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.
The District makes every effort to notify residents about West Nile virus activity and adult mosquito spraying events. People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the maps and notifications automatically by email.There is also an option to receive media releases and the Mosquito Bytes newsletter. These communications are posted directly on the District's website. Spray schedules are also available by calling the District at (925) 771-6195 and listening to a recorded message.
Since 2005, 39 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. A recent study has shown that the majority of cases are undiagnosed and grossly under reported. This year, two groups of mosquitoes and six dead birds have tested positive for the virus. 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.
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