More Contra Costa Birds Found With West Nile Virus

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY - More dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Contra Costa County, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.

Three dead birds, one from Antioch and two from Brentwood, tested positive for the mosquito-borne infection, the district announced Thursday.

This follows a report from the district last month that a bird recovered in Antioch tested positive for West Nile, the first appearance this year of the virus in the county.

"West Nile virus activity is not uncommon at this time of year since the disease is endemic - here to stay," Steve Schutz, the district's scientific program manager, said in a statement.

Since 2005, 55 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease.

People can develop West Nile virus infections through just one mosquito bite. The virus may cause fevers, headaches and body aches, and in some rare cases, neurological damage or death.

To reduce the risk of the disease, Schutz advised residents to dump standing water to shrink mosquito populations.

"Don't breed mosquitoes in the first place," he said. "It's the most important thing you can do to stay safe from their bites."

-Bay City News, image via Global Panorama/Flickr