OAKLEY (KRON) — One dead bird and two chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus in Oakley.
Contra Costa mosquito and vector control said when the virus is found in chickens, they know the infection came from that location since the birds are stationary.
“Since our chickens are stationary, confined to an area, we know that they contracted the virus from an infected mosquito at that specific location,” said Deborah Bass, who is the public affairs manager with the District. “This differs from a free bird such as a crow, which could have contracted the virus in a different location from where it died.”
Residents are being urged to get rid of any standing water where mosquitoes can live and breed.
Since 2005, 55 people have been infected with the virus in Contra Costa County, and two have died.
Residents are urged to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases:
- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can’t begin their lives without water.
- Defend yourself – use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
- Maintain neglected swimming pools . Just one can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
- Report dead birds to the state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or by visiting the California Department of Public Health’s website. All reports are crucial.