West Nile virus is back in Contra Costa County.
The first case of the year was found recently in a dead American crow in Brentwood, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District.
Since 2005, 75 people in Contra Costa have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. Two people died from the disease in 2006.
The district said in a press release, “Certain birds carry WNV. Once a mosquito bites an infected bird, the mosquito can become infected. Mosquitoes can spread the virus when they bite another bird or person.”
To reduce the risk of the virus, the district recommends that Contra Costa County residents report dead birds because they are often the first sign of West Nile in a location.
The virus grows more efficiently when temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees. With hot daytime and warm overnight temperatures in the forecast, the district advises residents to reduce the risk by avoiding mosquito bites.
“Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus to people through a single mosquito bite, but fortunately, the virus is easily preventable. With temperatures on the rise over the next several days, it’s important that Contra Costa County residents take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using an effective insect repellent when outdoors, particularly around dawn and dusk. Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin that can be bitten. And avoid being outdoors where mosquitoes are present, if possible,” said Steve Schutz, the district’s scientific program manager.
The district advises people to dump standing water, as mosquitos can reproduce in something as small as a bottle cap full of water. Window screens should not have rips or tears and should fit properly in openings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, when used as directed, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents are safe and effective. The district recommends using those with active ingredients, like DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Contra Costa County residents can report dead birds by calling (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or going online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.php. County residents can request mosquito service for residential property by calling (925) 685-9301 or online at https://contracosta.leateamapps.com/#/public/servicerequest.
Brought to you by the same “experts” that say wearing a mask, and keeping six feet away from people, will prevent the spread of COVID. I don’t believe anything the CDC says. Insect repellent is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, and if a person is drinking alcohol, it can cause the DEET to be absorbed in a faster rate. The same goes with sunscreen that contains any toxic ingredient.
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That infection rate is statistically insignificant. The death rate even moreso…
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Keep doing what you’re doing!
Contra Costa Health Dept will require dressing so no skin is exposed at all times when outside to prevent deaths like those in 2016.
Will any death from West Nile get listed as a Covid death?
In India folks dress to avoid malaria but you might be hard pressed to find light enough cotton wear in the US that they have there.
Eeeeek! Do we have to wear head-to-toe mosquito netting and lockdown for 2 weeks again? Quick call an idiot county health officer to find out! Eeeeeek! Where’s the vaxxxxx and 20 boosters?
OMG…stay indoors. Shelter in place. Close it all down!
My friend, who works at the CDC, told me years ago that if I’m
ever infected with West Nile that I’d have the sniffles for a day or two and not know it was from a mosquito sting.
Enough silliness I refuse to wear an indian folk dress to avoid malaria. Or to wear head to toe mosquito netting. Instead i intend to employ trained helper bats to fly in circles around me.
We use a natural insect repellant that has natural oils. It works great and smells good! You really dont need deet products for most casual outdoor activities.