Elevated Risk of West Nile Virus in East County Continues

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – – The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District’s adult mosquito fogging efforts Tuesday evening in Concord are confirmed successful today. Routine mosquito traps placed after the fogging to test efficacy collected no mosquitoes which means that the mosquito population was reduced to below a detectable level in the targeted area. However, mosquito populations and virus detection remain high in eastern Contra Costa County, specifically in Discovery Bay. Mosquitoes there tested positive this week for West Nile virus. Adult mosquito fogging is set for Monday night.

Today, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is confirming six more groups of mosquitoes and four more chickens that have tested positive for the virus. All 2014 West Nile virus activity and locations can be found on the District’s website.

Throughout California, West Nile virus activity continues to be intense. This week, 36 new human cases were reported from 10 different counties. The total number of confirmed human cases to date is 93 including four fatalities. In 2013, at this same time there were 59 reported cases. The state updates current information Friday afternoon.

“We are happy to report that our fogging efforts in Concord were successful this week. We didn’t have a lot of mosquitoes, but the ones we found were infected with West Nile virus and capable of infecting people,” said Craig Downs, general manager for the District. “Discovery Bay on the other hand has a large mosquito population and some of those mosquitoes are infected. I can’t stress enough the importance of wearing mosquito repellent no matter where you are in the county,” he said.

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, 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 16 groups of mosquitoes, 12 chickens and 26 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.

Mosquito Samples: 16

Dead Birds: 29

Sentinel Chicken Flocks: 3 (12 chickens)

Note: Chickens do not die from West Nile virus. They develop antibodies to the virus which is detected in their blood.

Horses: 0