West Nile Virus Confirmed in Dead Bird and Mosquitoes in Brentwood, Discovery Bay

From East County Today
August 4, 2018

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is reporting a dead bird from Brentwood and mosquitoes from Discovery Bay have tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the second group of mosquitoes from Discovery Bay and the first dead bird of the year from Contra Costa County to test positive for the virus.

This virus activity serves as an important reminder that residents should wear repellent to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, especially as summer heat continues, prompting residents to delay outdoor activities until temperatures cool in the evening. The mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus are active at dawn and dusk.

According to the District’s Scientific Programs Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D., “Although this is the second group of mosquitoes from Discovery Bay to test positive for West Nile virus, virus transmission can occur anywhere in the county so it’s very important to wear repellent if you’re going to be outdoors in the evening.”

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