Full Notification

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector District is urging residents to report dead birds to help control West Nile virus.

The public is urged to continue to call in dead birds they find to the free state hotline: 877-968-2473. It's important to note that not all birds are picked up and tested, it's the reports alone that are very valuable to mosquito control surveillance and control efforts. Less calls reduce the District's ability to predict West Nile virus hotspots and therefore, inhibits their ability to reduce infection in people.

Birds are reservoirs for West Nile virus, Mosquitoes transmit the virus by biting an infected bird or animal and then biting a person or other animal.

So far in 2010, there have been no animals or people that have been confirmed with West Nile virus

RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:

1. DEAD birds should be reported to 877-968-2473 or online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Not all birds will be picked up and tested, but reporting dead birds provides important information for mosquito control efforts.
2. DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using a repellent with an effective active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure to follow label directions.
3. DRAIN all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats. Residential sources can be a big producer of mosquitoes in Contra Costa County.
4. DOOR and window screens should fit tight and be in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
5. DO vaccinate your horses. Horses are highly susceptible to West Nile virus-approximately half of the horses that get West Nile virus die or have to be euthanized.
6. DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors since this is when mosquitoes are most active.
7. DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.

People wishing to be notified about adult mosquitos fogging or spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the Districts Web site and opt to receive the notifications automatically by e-mail; they can view information directly on the Districts Web site; or they may phone the District for a recorded message 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 or horse troughs.

For information concerning human West Nile virus symptoms, prevention, or testing, please call the Contra Costa Health Services department at (888)959-9911.