CONTRA COSTA COUNTY WOMAN IS SECOND TO DIE N CALIFORNIA DUE TO WEST NILE VIRUSSACRAMENTO – An elderly Contra Costa County woman has died from complications associated with West Nile virus (WNV), the second death due to WNV in California this year, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton announced today. The first death, an elderly Butte County woman, was announced last week. (8/24/06)

Warmer temperatures are on the way and with the rise in temperature mosquitoes will be hatching and looking for a good meal. Last year there were over 8 cases of the West Nile Virus reported in Contra Costa County. Two of these resulted in deaths. 

To help prevent the repeat of last year's headline, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District held community meetings this past week to educate residents on what they can do to help prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus and how to protect themselves.

What Can I Do to Protect Myself and My Family?

The best way to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus is to not get bitten by a mosquito. There are two ways to lessen the risk of mosquito bites for you and your family:

1. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites; and
2. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home and vacation property.

By taking simple precautions to lessen your chance of being bitten by a mosquito, you can also lessen your chance of getting West Nile virus.

1. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
   • When going outdoors, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients
   • Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat. Light coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes tend to be attracted to dark colours
   • Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that may allow mosquitoes indoors
2. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home and vacation property:

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and it takes about four days for the eggs to grow into adults that are ready to fly. Even a small amount of water, for example, in a saucer under a flower pot, is enough to act as a breeding ground. As a result, it is important to eliminate as much standing water around your property as possible by:

• Regularly (twice a week) draining standing water from items like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, recycle bins, garbage cans, etc.
• Remove old unused items from around your property (i.e., old tires) which have a tendency to collect water
• Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week
• Cover rain barrels with screens
• Clean out gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.
• Purchase an aerator or ornamental pond. This will keep the surface water moving which will make the water inhospitable to mosquito larvae.

 Don't forget that birdbath – hose it out a couple of times a week!