NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 1, 2011

Contact: Deborah Bass
Public Affairs Mgr.

(925) 771-6112 - office
(925) 260-4670 - mobile
dbass@ContraCostaMosquito.com
www.contracostamosquito.com

FIRST DETECTION OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN 2011 FOUND IN WALNUT CREEK DEAD BIRD
Stagnant rainwater and hot weather create ideal mosquito habitat

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - A dead American crow from Walnut Creek is the first detection of West Nile virus in Contra Costa County this year, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District. The bird, found near Treat Blvd. and Bancroft Road, was reported to the state's dead bird hotline by a resident.

"It's very important for everyone to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors and do their part to dump and drain standing water around their property where mosquitoes breed," said General Manager Craig Downs. "Stagnant water from the recent rains coupled with the hot weather is the perfect recipe for mosquito populations to rapidly increase. Hotter weather means more mosquitoes that can transmit West Nile virus."

Since 2006, 23 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Last year in California, six people died and there were 111 human West Nile virus cases reported.

Residents are urged to follow these guidelines:

• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquito can't begin their life without water.
• Defend yourself against mosquitoes 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 a million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito fogging or spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the notifications automatically by email; they can view information directly on the District's website; or they may phone the District for a recorded message at (925) 771-6195.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, a public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195.