CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed today that six sentinel chickens from two locations in Contra Costa County have tested positive for West Nile virus. One chicken was located at Holland Tract and five others in Oakley. Fogging for adult mosquitoes is scheduled to take place in Oakley on Thursday evening. 

"The District's Sentinel Chicken Program is an important way to identify areas at risk of West Nile virus because the chickens provide proof that the virus is active in a particular area," said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., scientific program manager for the District. "In this case, we plan to be out after sunset tomorrow -when mosquitoes are active- to control adult mosquitoes where the chickens confirmed recent virus activity."

 Fogging schedules can be accessed via the District's website.

 Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines: 

• 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, 54 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 2015, a total of three groups of mosquitoes, eight birds, and 14 chickens 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.