CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District (District) announces  that three dead birds and two groups of mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus. Two of the birds, both American crows, are from the areas of Marsh Creek Road and Byron Highway, and Balfour Road and Walnut Boulevard in Brentwood. The third bird, also an American crow, is from the area of Concord Boulevard and Bailey Road in Concord. Both groups of mosquitoes were trapped near Bixler Road and Point of Timber Road in Discovery Bay.

"Partnering with the public is crucial to protecting their health," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District.  "Their dead bird reports coupled with our mosquito surveillance help us understand where the virus is active in the county and where we should concentrate our control efforts."

Bass warned that everyone should take precautions against mosquito bites, not just the people in these areas. Wear mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are present., dump or drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from having a place to lay their eggs, and  report dead birds. This 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. The District accepts anonymous reports of water sources where mosquitoes may be developing.

Since 2005, 42 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cases are not diagnosed and grossly under reported. For 2013, a total of three groups of mosquitoes and four dead birds have tested positive for the virus.  

Visit the District's website or click on these links for  current West Nile virus activity  or to  receive automatic emails for when the District fogs for adult mosquitoes.

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.