30 Apr First Bird With West Nile Virus in County in 2024 Found in Concord

Using an EPA-registered insect repellent with a recommended active ingredient is one way to guard against mosquito bites. (“Katie & Diane bug spray” by George Thomas / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license)

By Tony Hicks, Bay City News

A dead bird in Concord has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday an American crow was picked up with the virus April 9.

It’s the first case reported in Contra Costa County this year, after infected birds were reported from Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.

“It is early in the season for the first detection of West Nile virus in Contra Costa County,” Steve Schutz, the district’s scientific program manager, said in a statement. “The last time the first dead bird of the year tested positive this early in the season was more than 10 years ago. With such early evidence of West Nile virus, it’s more important than ever for residents to take steps to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and mosquito bites.”

To reduce the risk of mosquitoes and West Nile virus, the district recommended residents dump and scrub. At least once per week, inspect front and backyards and dump out any amount of rain or sprinkler water that’s collected in any sort of container including, but not limited to, toys, tools, equipment, pet bowls, and trash, even something as small as a water bottle lid.

County officials said to then scrub the inside of each container to remove mosquito eggs that may be stuck to the container. Also, make sure window screens properly fit openings without gaps, and there are no rips or tears.

After dumping and scrubbing, if a resident still experiences mosquito issues on the property, Contra Costa County residents can contact the district to request mosquito service at (925) 685-9301 or by going to https://westnile.ca.gov/report.php.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, the district recommends residents use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, the repellent version of oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.

Always follow the instructions on the label when using insect repellent and report dead birds because dead birds are often the first sign of WNV in a particular location.

County residents can report dead birds by phone at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or https://westnile.ca.gov/report.php. County residents can also request mosquito service for residential property by calling (925) 685-9301 or at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.php.

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