11 Aug West Nile Virus Is Confirmed in Oakley
By Bay City News
Two groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Oakley, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday.
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.
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