Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are found in Discovery Bay, east of Brentwood

Mosquitoes found in two places in eastern Contra Costa County have been tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials said Thursday.

Infected mosquitoes were found in traps at Discovery Bay and in an agricultural area east of Brentwood and less than a week after chickens near Knightsen were tested positive for the virus , according to Contra Costa.

"We observe a typical summer trend where Nile virus activity begins in the hottest areas of the central valley and gradually shifts to the west in Contra Costa County as and when as the weather warms up ". declaration.

District authorities encourage people to reduce the risk of contracting the Nile virus by using insect repellents, avoiding the outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most commonly present and rid of stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds, which may be a sign of West Nile virus. Anyone who finds a dead bird is asked to call (877) WNV-BIRD.

Since 2005, 63 county residents have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, and two people died of the disease in 2006.

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