West Nile Virus Found in Danville

By Jane McInnis

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District announced that eight more dead birds that tested positive for West Nile Virus were found across the county on August 1.

Danville was included on the list, with the dead bird found on July 31 located near Camino Ramon and Greenbook Drive.

In all, the virus claimed eight birds: two Western scrub-jays and six American crows were found across Danville, Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, Brentwood and Walnut Creek.

The mosquito control has a detailed, up-to-date map on their website which marks all the West Nile Virus activity in the area, from horses to mosquito groups who have tested positive for the virus.

This latest report brings the count up to 19 dead birds and four groups of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus, according to a report released by Contra Costa Mosquito Control.

According to a statement:

Birds are the reservoir for West Nile virus. People can become infected when a mosquito bites a bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. West Nile virus of the severe form can be fatal.   

"It only takes one bite to get West Nile virus from an infected mosquito and anyone of any age can get this disease," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District.  "But, contracting the virus is largely preventable by taking simple, but very important precautions. They are worth the time. In the words of a local survivor of the disease, having West Nile virus is like 'having the flu, polio, and a stroke at the same time.' "

Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines: 

• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes 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. 

Visit the District's website or click on these links for  current West Nile virus activity  or to  receive automatic emails for when the District fogs for adult mosquitoes.

 Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195 or visit their office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.