On Thursday July 2 between 9:00 pm to 12:00 am, the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced there will be fogging by truck to control adult mosquitoes.
The area to be treated is bordered on the north by Fetzer Lane and Monet Drive; on the east by Picasso Drive; on the south by West Cypress Road; and on the west by Jordan Lane, 4th Street, and Orchard Park Drive.
The insecticide to be used is Pyrocide 7067 applied at a rate of .75 ounces per acre by truck-mounted, ultra-low volume sprayer.
On June 17, the District confirmed that the first group of mosquitoes of the year has tested positive for West Nile virus this year in Contra Costa County. The mosquitoes were found in the Summer Lake area of Oakely.
Two species of mosquitoes in Contra Costa County capable of transmitting the virus prefer to feed on birds. People can become infected when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. West Nile virus of the severe form can be fatal.
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, 52 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 under-reported.
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.
2015 Contra Costa West Nile Virus Activity
Mosquito Samples: 2
n | Date Reported | City | Cross Streets | Species |
1 | 6/15/15 | Oakley | E. Summer Lakes Dr. x E. Cypress Rd. | Culex tarsalis |
2 | 6/15/15 | Oakley | Oakley Rd. x Main St. | Culex tarsalis |
Dead Birds: 0