Full Notification

Courtesy of the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District confirmed today that two sentinel chickens from Oakley and one dead bird from Danville have tested positive for West Nile virus. Fogging for adult mosquitoes is scheduled for Thursday evening in Oakley.

"To quote the late Yogi Berra, 'It ain't over till it's over,'" said Steve Schutz, scientific program manager for the District referring to the mosquito season. "West Nile virus is still active, there is still a risk of contracting it from mosquitoes, and we all still need to take the necessary precautions to control mosquitoes and their bites."

West Nile virus activity is listed on the District's website as well as fogging schedules.

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 lives without water.
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes by 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.
• Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. All reports are crucial, even if the bird does not meet criteria for testing.

Since 2005, 54 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cases are not diagnosed and are grossly underreported. For 2015, a total of six groups of mosquitoes, nine birds,16 chickens and one horse have tested positive for the virus.

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.