Politics & Government

County Officials Say West Nile Virus Activity Increasing

For more information about West Nile virus, contact the Alameda County Public Health Department.

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District urges Alameda
County residents to remain vigilant about the risk of contracting West Nile
virus.  

Alameda County, along with the rest of California, has seen an
increase in West Nile virus positive dead birds this year compared to last.


To date, four American crows from the Livermore area have tested positive
for the virus, two of which were picked up last week.  Last year, the District found its first positive bird the second week of July.  Birds are the reservoir for West Nile virus.  Dead birds can be an indication that the virus is present in an area.  If you come across a dead bird please report it by calling (877)WNV-BIRD or online by clicking here.

According to the CDC, there is no danger of contracting the virus from handling intact dead birds; however, the following procedure is suggested to keep hands clean when collecting a specimen:  

  1. Turn a plastic bag inside-out, and pick up the bird with the hands protected by the bag.  
  2. Turn the bag right-side-out.  
  3. The bag should then be tied or sealed and placed inside another plastic bag.
"Current drought conditions may actually create more mosquitoes than seasons
with more rain water.  Healthy creeks that normally flow may dry down
leaving pockets with standing water making the perfect mosquito habitat,"
said District Manager, Chindi Peavey.  "The warm weather and plenty of
man-made water sources such as neglected swimming pools, containers, and
storm drains also provide perfect conditions and habitat for mosquitoes to
thrive."

As of June 27th, California has had 324 dead birds, 234 mosquito samples, 1
sentinel chicken, and 2 humans test positive for West Nile virus.  The bird,
mosquito, and human numbers are all higher than this time last year.

Reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these
guidelines:
  • DUMP/DRAIN standing water on your property because that's where mosquitoes develop.
  • DAWN/DUSK are when mosquito activity peaks so limit outdoor activities during this time.
  • DEFEND yourself when mosquitoes are biting by wearing long pants and
  • long-sleeved shirts and apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, and Oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • DOOR/window screens should be in good repair with no tears or holes.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an
infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus.  Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or rash.  Less than one percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.  Adults over 50-years-old and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of serious complications.

Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Since horses are very susceptible to West Nile virus and vaccines are available, horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians immediately about timely vaccinations.

For information about mosquitoes and West Nile virus visit our website.

Residents can request mosquitofish for their fish ponds, horse troughs, etc. by contacting our District office.  We are located in Hayward at 23187 Connecticut St. Our phone number is (510)783-7744.  

For information concerning West Nile virus symptoms, prevention or testing please contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510) 267-8001.


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