CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) announced today that the first sign of West Nile virus activity for 2013 in Contra Costa County is from a dead bird found in Antioch. An American crow was found near Yellowstone Drive and Hillcrest Avenue.

"With West Nile virus activity in several counties around us, we knew it was just a matter of time," said the District's Public Affairs Manager Deborah Bass.  "Only this year brings an elevated risk factor-the yellow fever mosquito which has been found  for the first time in Madera County, a mere two hours south of  our own county."

In a media release from the Mosquito & Vector Control Association of California yesterday, it was announced that two new invasive and disease-carrying mosquito species have elevated the risk of mosquito borne diseases. While these mosquitoes have not yet been found in Contra Costa County, the Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and the Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) pose a new public health threat in California. Both mosquitoes can transmit debilitating and sometime fatal diseases like dengue fever (known as breakbone fever), yellow fever,  and/or chikungunya.

"Regardless of the mosquito species, our advice is the same: dump standing water and take the proper precautions," said Bass.  "Wear mosquito repellent, make sure your window screens are in good repair, and report mosquito problems to us."

Bass said that the District accepts anonymous reports of water sources where mosquitoes may be developing.

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. 

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.