Update: West Nile Virus Season Still Going Strong; More Infected Birds, Mosquitoes Found

An American Crow is the 19th dead bird infected with West Nile Virus collected in Concord since August, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.

The district has so far collected 43 infected dead carcasses and six groups of infected mosquitoes throughout the county, according to information posted on its website. Two of the infected mosquito groups and 19 birds were collected in Concord, specifically. See chart below for dates and locations.

"As long as the weather continues to be warm, mosquitoes will be a health threat," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. "At this point, mosquito repellent should be part of your Halloween costume."

So far this year, three cases of human infection have been reported in East County, according to the district.

A 65-year-old female was announced last week to be the latest human reported to be infected with the virus in East County, according to county Health Services. She, along with a 65-year-old male and a 49-year-old female, are recovering but no further details were made available.

Though rare, West Nile Virus can be deadly, according to Contra Costa Health Services. Symptoms, if present, can range from mild to moderate and may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands.

Four people have died this year from the virus, according to the state's West Nile Virus website. Two were from Kern County and two were from Los Angeles County.

(Click here for CoCo County's detailed FAQ page about West Nile Virus, including more details about symptoms)

"Our technicians are busy scouring the known areas where infection is taking place and working to eliminate those sources of larval mosquitoes; however, West Nile virus is endemic throughout the county," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the county's Mosquito & Vector Control District. "Many high-producing mosquito sources are in residents' yards, areas we can't access. Flower pot saucers, for example, can produce hundreds of mosquitoes - and neglected swimming pools, even partially filled, can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away."  

"Dumping water out and maintaining swimming pools would go a very long way in the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit," said Bass.

The district sprayed two high-risk areas in Concord in September to reduce the risk of transmission.

Locations where infected dead birds have been collected in Concord:

8/19

Mosquito samples:

From the press release:

Residents are urged to continue to report dead birds to the West Nile Virus state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. Reports may also be made online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

Dead bird reports are an important tool for West Nile virus detection, even if the bird is not picked up and tested. Lack of dead bird reports decreases the District's ability to detect higher risk locations. 

The District makes every effort to notify residents about West Nile virus activity and adult mosquito spraying events. People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the maps and notifications automatically by email.There is also an option to receive media releases and the Mosquito Bytes newsletter. They can also view all of these communications directly on the District's website. Spray schedules are also available by calling the District at (925) 771-6195 and listening to a recorded message.

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

• Don't breed mosquitoes on your property. 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.
• Reportneglected swimming pools by calling 925-771-6195 or visiting www.ContraCostaMosquito.comAnonymous calls accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. 

Story originally posted on Oct. 11, 2011.