Yearly total of West Nile virus cases in Contra Costa jump by 50 percent in one week

From the East Bay Times
August 18, 2018

DISCOVERY BAY — The number of birds and mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus has increased by 50 percent in the past week, the county Mosquito & Vector Control District reported on Friday.

In the past week, there have been four groups of mosquitoes, four dead birds and one group of Sentinel Chickens that have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The discoveries have doubled the number of dead birds found with the virus in Contra Costa County for this year and nearly doubled the number of positive mosquito groups.

Usually, the months of August and September, when baby birds are leaving their nests and mosquitoes bite more often, are when the virus peaks, the district warned.

“As we enter the peak of West Nile virus season we’re starting to see more widespread activity,” said Steve Schutz, the district’s scientific programs manager. “People in all areas of Contra Costa County should be protecting themselves against mosquito bites.”

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