NO SIGNS OF SLOWING FOR WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY
More mosquitoes, birds, and chickens positive for the virus in Contra Costa County
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that more mosquitoes, birds, and chickens have tested positive for the virus. The mosquitoes were found near 8th and H Streets in Antioch; four dead birds were found in Brentwood, Concord (2), and Knightsen; and two chickens were from Holland Tract.
"Our daily surveillance efforts and the public's help in reporting dead birds highlight the areas we need to focus our efforts," said Public Affairs Manager Deborah Bass. "The partnership between our District and the public is essential in reducing the risk of West Nile virus infection in our residents. "
Fogging for adult mosquitoes took place yesterday evening in Antioch. No other fogging is planned at this time. Interactive maps illustrating areas to be fogged are available on the District's website and any one can sign up for automatic email notifications as well.
Contra Costa Health Services posted a second human case on their website last week.
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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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