Two groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Oakley, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said.
In addition to the mosquitoes, four dead birds have tested positive for the virus and antibodies were detected in five sentinel chickens, the agency said in a press release.
An East County man died from West Nile virus on July 16, marking the first death from the disease reported in Contra Costa County since 2006.
“The presence of WNV-positive mosquito samples, dead birds, and sentinel chickens in Oakley indicates an elevated risk currently exists for residents and visitors in that area,” said Steve Schutz, scientific program director for the vector control district.
Mosquito treatment will be conducted tonight on the northern border of Oakley, the district said.
Certain birds can become infected with West Nile virus, and when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, the mosquito can become infected. An infected mosquito can spread the virus to a human or other animal through a single bite. The infection can be dangerous to humans, with symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or rash.
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the district recommends using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents containing at least one ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, the repellent version of oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
13 comments
is our beloved governor on the phone with Fauci ready to lock us down?
Look on the bright side…at least those mosquitoes cant spread the monkeypox!!!
Is it time for our WEST NILE shot????
Masks…..6 feet apart….no walking the dog…….no basketball playing……!
… “Certain birds can become infected with West Nile virus.”
(AND either they aren’t ‘certain’ which “certain birds” that is…or they are ‘certain’ we are too stooopid to be allowed to know.)
After further consideration… They may be right.
If a mosquito feeds off of a “certain” bird and acquires WNV, can they pass the WNV to other ‘not-certain’ birds or just chickens? If birds and chickens, and humans and some animals get WNV from a mosquito bite,… can your cute little kitty cat get WNV from eating an infected bird or mouse? How about those bad raccoons that break into hen-houses? Now I’m worried about my hunting buddy the coon hound… and … SEE?
I’m joking about a serious subject, and I’m saddened for the family of the man who passed away. But doesn’t it seem like hospitals would be over-burdened by mosquito bitten homeless from under the over-passes…………………?
Where is the billion dollars worth of masks that Newscum bought from China?I dont wonder why Calif has a huge defecit,he lost billions meant for homeless,he has no explanation,and nobody cares.
When … true story… last I heard they were left out in the elements uncovered – and ruined! had to be tossed …. yup – that’s Newscum with our tax dollars …and he has aspirations for the WH …
Y’all are misguided and not understanding that there is literal scientific proof and evidence. A person died of west nile virus for the first time in 18 years in Contra Costa County only a few weeks ago. Please use bug sprays and outdoor bug repellants when going outdoors to protect you and your families and pets (ask your vet how to protect your pet! They can contract it too!) This has literally nothing to do with politics. Mosquitoes will kill your family and i promise you they dont vote.
There’s also scientific evidence that a minimal amount of DEET, the main ingredient in repellent, is absorbed into the blood stream. And there’s scientific evidence that while spraying bug spray, some of the mist will be inhaled. DEET has been banned in certain countries because of its toxicity, and possible carcinogenic properties. But who cares what other countries are doing, we should always trust the FDA and EPA because they know what’s best for us. Right?
The canary in the coal mine for West Nile is dead crows. Should you see one in your neighborhood,, please call Contra Costa Public Health and report it. Very important.
Public Health Departments are critical for keeping us all safe and healthy.
Keep the populace in constant fear and they are literally putty in the palm of our hand.
Fear, fear and more fear to control the unsuspecting masses; nothing more!
That’s absurd. West Nile virus is currently active in our county. I’m grateful that public health/vector control is providing guidance for us to be vigilant. Alert officials about any dead crows. It is sensible to light citronella candles when setting outside at night. That’s all.