1st West Nile Virus-Infected Dead Bird Reported In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District reported that a dead bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Contra Costa County.

The dead bird, an American crow picked up April 9 in Concord, is the county's first WNV-infected bird of this year. WNV-infected dead birds have been reported recently in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

"It is early in the season for the first detection of West Nile Virus in Contra Costa County," said Steve Schutz, Scientific Program Manager for the Mosquito and Vector Control District. "The last time the first dead bird of the year tested positive this early in the season was more than 10 years ago. With such early evidence of West Nile Virus, it's more important than ever for residents to take steps to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and mosquito bites."

'Dump And Scrub'; Check Window Screens

To reduce the risk of mosquitoes and WNV, the district recommends residents "dump and scrub." To do so, residents should inspect their front and back yards at least once a week and dump out any amount of rain or sprinkler water that's collected in any containers including, but not limited to, toys, tools, equipment, pet bowls and trash — even something as small as a water bottle lid. Residents should then scrub the inside of the container to remove any mosquito eggs that may be stuck inside.

Residents should also check the window screens on their homes and fix any openings, gaps, rips or tears, the district said.

If, after dumping and scrubbing, the resident still experiences mosquito issues on the property, Contra Costa County residents can contact the District to request mosquito service.

Use Insect Repellent; Report Dead Birds

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the district recommends residents use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, the repellent version of oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

"Always follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent and report dead birds because dead birds are often the first sign of WNV in a particular location," the district said.

Residents of Contra Costa County can report dead birds online or by calling 877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473). County residents can also request mosquito service online for a residential property or 925-685-9301.