Warmer Weather, Foreclosed Homes Raising West Nile Virus Concerns

Foreclosed homes and warmer weather are raising concerns among health officials about the West Nile virus.

Eight more birds infected with the virus have been discovered in Contra Costa County during the past two months.

Officials at the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District say they found two infected birds in Concord, and one each in Alamo, Walnut Creek, Antioch, Knightsen, Pittsburg, and Pleasant Hill between July 5 and Aug. 31.

In Alamo, a Western Scrub-Jay with the virus was discovered on Aug. 10 near Danville Boulevard and Camille Avenue.

In Walnut Creek, another infected jay was found on Aug. 29 near Walnut Boulevard and Mountain View Boulevard. This is in addition to the infected crow that was discovered in late June near the Countrywood Shopping Center.

In Concord, an infected crow was found on Aug. 19 near Oak Grove Road and Treat Boulevard. Another dead crow was found in the same vicinity on Aug. 23.

The other bird locations can be found at this website.

Birds are carriers of the virus. Mosquitoes pick it up when they bite birds. They then transmit it to humans when they bite them.

The number of infected birds has been relatively low the past two years. In 2010, eight infected birds were found.

That compares to 2009, when 45 infected birds were discovered. In 2008, 88 were found.

However, Deborah Bass, the public affairs manager for the mosquito district, said there are two concerns looming.

One is the warmer weather that often hits the Bay Area in September and October. Mosquitoes breed easier in hotter temperatures.

In addition, there are an increasing number of neglected swimming pools at foreclosed homes in the region.

The pools provide a haven for mosquitoes to lay eggs. One pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes. Those insects can also fly as far away as 5 miles.

Mosquitoes only need a couple teaspoons of water for their eggs, so places like gutters and potted plant holders can provide breeding grounds.

"We are concerned because anyone can get West Nile virus," said Bass. "It's something everyone should take seriously."

About 80 percent of people who contract the disease have flu-like symptoms. Some don't even go to the doctor.

The other 20 percent come down with more serious effects. In worst cases, the virus can cause brain inflammation or paralysis.

People can report dead birds by calling 1-877-968-2473, or go to westnile.ca.gov.

You can report a neglected swimming pool by calling 925-771-6195.