ELEVATED RISK OF WEST NILE VIRUS CONTINUES IN EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Four new groups of mosquitoes and five more dead birds positive for virus; fogging for adult mosquitoes tonight
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that more mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in parts of Antioch, Byron, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen, as well as dead birds in Antioch, Brentwood (2), Concord, and San Ramon.
"East County residents remain at an elevated risk for contracting West Nile virus from infected mosquitoes," said Public Affairs Manager Deborah Bass. "Wearing mosquito repellent is essential. Anyone of any age can contract this disease. It just doesn't make sense not to take this simple precaution."
Fogging for adult mosquitoes will take place tonight in Discovery Bay & Byron. Interactive maps of the locations to be fogged are available on the District's website and people can sign up for automatic email notifications as well.
"Once infected mosquitoes are present in an area, using public health insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes carrying the virus is the only known method to reduce the virus transmission risk to people," said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., scientific program manager.
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West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only 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.
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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