CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) reports two more groups of trapped mosquitoes and one more dead bird have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Contra Costa County.
The mosquitoes were collected in traps this week in Martinez and Oakley, and the bird was from Brentwood.
In addition to these mosquitoes and dead bird, there have already been four groups of mosquitoes and five dead birds that have tested positive for WNV, and eight sentinel chickens have tested positive for antibodies in 2024. In response to the newest WNV activity, the District is conducting additional inspections and mosquito surveillance in Oakley and Brentwood. In Martinez, the District is conducting adult mosquito control north of Pacheco Boulevard along the Martinez waterfront closest to the Benicia Bridge.
“This is the time of year when we typically see the focus of West Nile virus transmission expand from the warmer areas of East Contra Costa County into parts of the waterfront and Central County. It is important for residents to use an insect repellent if they are outdoors in the evening or early morning, and to report mosquito issues to the District because it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit West Nile virus to a person,” said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., Scientific Programs Director.
- Mosquito Samples: 6 – View Details
- Dead Birds: 6 – View Details
- Sentinel Chicken Flocks: 2 – View Details
- Horses: 0 – View Details
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the District recommends residents use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- The repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- IR3535
Always follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent.
To reduce the risk of mosquitoes on residential properties, the District recommends Contra Costa County residents look around their front and backyards at least once a week and dump out any amount of standing water. Also, check window screens to make sure they fit properly without any gaps or rips in the screen.
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 residential property by calling (925) 685-9301 or online. Signing up for District notifications allows Contra Costa County residents to receive information on West Nile virus activity and Adult Mosquito Control operations in real-time. Subscribe to District publications
Previous Stories
- Aug 16 – West Nile Virus Activity Continues in Contra Costa County
- Aug 12 – Again… Adult Mosquito Control to Occur Monday in Oakley
- Aug 9 – West Nile Virus-Infected Mosquitoes Confirmed in Oakley
- Aug 9 – Tonight: Adult Mosquito Control to Take Place in Oakley
- July 26 – First West Nile Death Since 2006 Reported in Contra Costa County
- June 21 – West Nile Virus-Infected Birds Confirmed in Concord
- April 27 – First West Nile Virus Positive Dead Bird of 2024 Found in Contra Costa County
