Mosquito Group Tests Positive For West Nile In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District found a second group of mosquitos that tested positive for West Nile Virus this year, the district announced Friday.

The sample was collected from a trap set up in a rural area east of Brentwood. The first positive sample was found in Oakley.

And just last week, the district found an invasive mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, in the area. The species is known to transmit Zika virus, Dengue fever, Chikungunya virus and Yellow fever.

In response to finding the invasive mosquito species, the district said it plans to go door-to-door to inspect the affected area. Aedes aegypti is an especially tiny insect known to lay eggs in any body of standing water, no matter how small.

The district reminds residents to "tip, toss and take action" -- tip over standing water, scrub outdoor containers like bird baths, buckets and pet dishes frequently, and report mosquito issues by calling 925-685-9301. Residents are also encouraged to use repellents with DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

"The key to controlling them is to find, drain these containers and keep them dry because a single missed source could re-infest an entire neighborhood," stated Steve Schutz, scientific program manager for the district.

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