First indicator of the virus circulating in Alameda County
The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) has reported the first dead bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in Alameda County this year. The dead bird was found in Union City and tested at ACMAD’s laboratory on January 19, 2024. Last summer, an Alameda resident was the first to test positive in 2023 for West Nile Virus in the county, although the location of where the infection occurred was not determined.
“While this early detection of West Nile virus at the start of the year is a surprise, it is not unprecedented,” ACMAD Lab Director Eric Haas-Stapleton PhD explained. “Our ever-shifting weather patterns of rain and sunshine provide opportunity for mosquitoes to be active throughout the year. Our team will continue to test for mosquitoes in the surrounding area. We appreciate the public’s help in locating dead birds and encourage everyone to contact the California Dead Bird Hotline to report a dead bird, no matter where it is found. Remember to reduce mosquito habitats by dumping or draining any containers that hold water or reach out to our district if you have standing water in your community.”
Preventing transmission
ACMAD will increase mosquito monitoring and larval control efforts in the area where the West Nile virus positive bird was discovered. They are making every effort to locate areas of standing water where mosquitoes may breed—including, but not limited to, catch basins, storm drain systems, and swimming pools. Neglected swimming pools are an ongoing mosquito breeding issue in Alameda County. If you know of an unmaintained swimming pool, inform ACMAD so they can make the proper treatment.
Transmission of West Nile virus most commonly occurs from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes can get West Nile virus when they bite an infected bird. In turn, the mosquito can then pass the virus to humans. The best thing people can do to protect themselves from West Nile virus is to avoid mosquitoes and report any dead birds.
Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. There is no cure for West Nile virus. Adults over 50 years old and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk of serious complications. Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
How to avoid mosquitoes
There are many ways to avoid mosquitoes and reduce their population:
- Use a repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain or cover any standing water around your home.
- Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
- Scrub and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.
- Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight” and repair or replace any torn screens.
For information about mosquitoes, West Nile virus, or to request any ACMAD services visit www.mosquitoes.org or call (510) 783-7744. Residents can also request mosquitofish for their fishponds, horse troughs, or neglected swimming pools at the ACMAD office located at 23187 Connecticut St. in Hayward. For information concerning West Nile virus symptoms, prevention or testing please contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510) 267-8001.
