FIL – In this photo of Wednesday, September 8, 2010, Cattail’s mice are seen in a petri dish for inspection at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in South Portland, Maine. Cattail muscles can transmit Eastern chickenpox and West Nile virus to humans. Mosquitoes in the East Bay test positive for West Nile Virus.
Pat Wellenbach / ASSOCIATED PRESSCONCORD (BCN) – Mosquitoes caught by Byron earlier this week tested positive for West Nile virus, said Vector County inspectors.
The infected mosquitoes are the first sign of the virus so far this year in the province, where August and September are normally the peak months of cases of West Nile in humans, according to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Residents are urged to prevent the insects from breeding by dumping and draining all standing water on their property and reporting mice problems in the area, including neglected swimming pools.
Using repellents during peak mosquito activity – morning and dusk – is also recommended.
Officials are asking residents to report sightings of dead birds to the statewide West Nile Virus hotline online or by calling (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
“Dead birds, especially crows and jays, are often a good early indication that West Nile virus is present in a particular area. Birds can be carriers of the West Nile virus,” said Steve Schutz, the program’s scientific program manager. wyk.
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