Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control
NEWS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     -     October 19, 2015

Contact: Deborah Bass
                Public Affairs Manager

(925) 771-6112 - office
(925) 260-4670 - mobile
[email protected]
www.contracostamosquito.com 

For human cases, please contact Contra Costa Health Services at 888-959-9911

MOSQUITOES AND CHICKEN IN MARTINEZ TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS 

Fogging scheduled for Tuesday evening 

   

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed today that a group of mosquitoes and a chicken from Martinez have tested positive for West Nile virus. Fogging for adult mosquitoes is scheduled for Tuesday evening along the Martinez waterfront.

 

"At this time of year, the type of mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus are less selective about their blood source and are more likely to bite people," said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., scientific program supervisor for the District. "Wearing mosquito repellent when outdoors is important. And of course, dumping standing water so we don't breed mosquitoes in the first place is equally important."


West Nile virus activity is listed on the District's website as well as
fogging schedules.


 
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 eight groups of mosquitoes, 11 birds,17 chickens and one horse 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.    

 

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