Mosquitoes in Contra Costa County have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The infected mosquitoes were caught in traps in Discovery Bay and an agricultural area east of Brentwood.

Officials say they are seeing a typical summer pattern where West Nile activity ramps up as the weather heats up.

“We are seeing a typical summer pattern where West Nile virus activity starts in the warmer areas of the Central Valley and gradually moves west into Contra Costa County as our weather warms up,” said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., who is a scientific programs manager.

“Detection of virus in mosquitoes and sentinel chickens is an indication that the risk of human cases is increasing, so people spending time outdoors should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” Schutz added. 

And they are urging people to take precautions. That includes using repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Officials also urge to avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are present typically at dawn or dusk and to drain standing water.

“Usually we detect West Nile virus in dead birds first, but this year we’ve been getting very few dead bird reports from the public, so we haven’t had many to test,” Schutz said. 

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