More Dead Birds, Mosquitos Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Contra Costa Co.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — More dead birds and a group of mosquitoes found in Contra Costa County have tested positive for West Nile virus, county mosquito control officials said Wednesday. The mosquitoes and a chicken were from an area near Knightsen in the eastern part of the county, while another chicken was from Martinez and two dead birds were collected from Martinez and Walnut Creek, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District.

District crews are doing extra surveillance and mosquito control operations where the dead birds and mosquitoes were found.

"The cooler weather is arriving, which is good news," district spokeswoman Deborah Bass said in a statement. "That slows down mosquito production as well as the virus."

To further reduce mosquito production, district officials recommend that people dump or drain standing water and maintain neglected swimming pools. People can reduce the risk of contracting the virus by using
mosquito repellants and avoiding being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are typically present.

A list of West Nile virus activity in the county can be found here.

By Bay City News

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