10 More Dead Birds Found Infected With West Nile Virus

Bay City News

birds infected with West Nile virus have been found in hot
spots throughout Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District reported Tuesday.

Ten more birds tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total number of infected birds to 25 this year.

Four groups of mosquitoes have been reported carrying the virus as well, district spokeswoman Deborah Bass said.

The 10 infected birds were collected from Walnut Creek, Pleasant
Hill, Concord, Lafayette and Brentwood, Bass said.

Dead bird reports are an important tool to detect the West Nile
virus and higher risk areas, according to Bass.

People can report dead birds by calling the state's West Nile
virus hotline at (877) 968-2473 or visiting www.westnile.ca.gov.

Residents are also urged to help reduce their risk by following these guidelines: 

• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquito can't begin their life without water.
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes 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.  

Since 2005, 36 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Studies have shown that the majority of cases are undiagnosed.