CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) reports five more dead birds and two more groups of trapped mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Contra Costa County. The dead birds were collected from Rodeo, Martinez, Concord, and two from Brentwood; while the mosquitoes were trapped in Byron and Martinez.
There have been 10 dead birds and seven groups of trapped mosquitoes that have tested positive for WNV so far in 2023. With the escalating number of WNV-infected mosquitoes and dead birds, the District is advising all Contra Costa County residents to take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and mosquito bites.
“West Nile virus can be transmitted to an animal or person through a single bite from an infected mosquito. And as we are seeing the number of WNV-infected dead birds and mosquitoes escalate and the locations become more widespread, it is critically important for Contra Costa County residents to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and mosquito bites. Dump and scrub any outdoor containers that are holding water and wear insect repellent to reduce the risk of mosquito bites,” said the District’s Scientific Program Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D.
The District recommends residents use an insect repellent that is EPA-registered and includes one of the four most effective active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or the repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
In addition to dumping out standing water and scrubbing the inside of the container to remove mosquito eggs, the District also advises Contra Costa County residents to:
- Make sure door and window screens are in good working condition
- Contact the District to request mosquito service
- Report dead birds to the California West Nile Virus Dead Bird Call Center
As Contra Costa County residents take steps to reduce the risk of WNV, District employees will be conducting surveillance and control as needed in the areas where the dead birds and mosquitoes were found.
Contra Costa County residents can report dead birds by phone at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online. County residents can also request mosquito service for their residential properties by calling (925) 685-9301 or online.
Since 2005, 75 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. For human case information, please visit the California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section online.
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord.
Previous Stories:
- Aug 13: More Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus in Contra Costa County
- Aug 11 – West Nile Virus Activity Intensifies in Contra Costa County
- Aug 5: West Nile Virus Activity Increases in Contra Costa County
- July 21: First West Nile Virus Positive Dead Bird of 2023 in Contra Costa County
- July 15: West Nile Virus Returns to Contra Costa County
- June 30: First Mosquitos of 2022 Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Contra Costa County
