MOTHER NATURE PROLONGS MOSQUITO SEASON; MORE DEAD BIRDS POSITIVE FOR VIRUS
Third human case reported from Contra Costa Health Services
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that four more dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. The birds were found in Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Oakley, and Walnut Creek.
"This is the mosquito season that just keeps going," said the District's Public Affairs Manager Deborah Bass. "Disease transmission is still possible."
The Contra Costa Health Services reported the third human case of West Nile virus for 2012 in Contra Costa County on their website this week. The website indicates that the patient is an adult female, lives in West County, and has recovered from her illness. For information about human cases, please call the Contra Costa Health Services department at (888) 959-9911.
The District asks all residents to still be vigilant about avoiding mosquitoes by wearing repellent when mosquitoes are present. Dumping or draining any standing water prevents mosquitoes from having a place to lay their eggs, and report ing dead birds is important because they are often the first sign of West Nile virus in a particular location. Reporting neglected swimming pools is also very important because one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes that can affect people up to five miles away.
Since 2005, 40 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, a total of three people, 19 groups of mosquitoes, 66 dead birds, and seven chickens have tested positive for the virus. The number of infected mosquitoes, birds and chickens have surpassed the number of infected insects and animals in 2011.
For current West Nile virus activity and to receive emails when the District fogs for adult mosquitoes, please visit the District's website and sign up for automatic email notification.
---------------------------------------------------------
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 about West Nile Virus symptoms, treatment and prevention, 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.
|
