CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District urges residents of California to take precautions from mosquito bites while enjoying outdoor celebrations this Labor Day weekend. According to the California West Nile Virus website, at this same time last year there were only 86 human cases compared to 129 this year, 907 dead birds compared to 1733 this year and 1562 mosquito samples compared to 2305 this year. Infected mosquitoes can infect people with the virus in just a single bite.

Today, the District is confirming three more groups of mosquitoes and three more birds that have tested positive for the virus in Contra Costa County. Two groups of mosquitoes were trapped in Discovery Bay and one in Byron, and the birds were found in Concord, Danville and Walnut Creek. All 2014 West Nile virus activity and locations can be found on the District's website.

 "Any outdoor activity, whether it's boating, camping, or just lounging in the backyard can be risky. Anyone of any age can get West Nile virus from just a single mosquito bite," said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., scientific program manager for the District. "Wearing mosquito repellent is essential. We, and the CDC, recommend products containing the ingredient DEET, but products containing oil of eucalyptus and picaridin are also on the recommended list," he added.   

• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their lives without water.
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes by 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. 
• Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. All reports are crucial, even if the bird does not meet criteria for testing.

Since 2005, 48 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 are grossly underreported. For 2014, a total of 19 groups of mosquitoes, 12 chickens and 31 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.