East Contra Costa Steps Up Precautions Against West Nile Virus

CONTRA COSTA (KCBS)— Mosquito control experts in east Contra Costa County are spraying pesticide to stay ahead of West Nile Virus after a third resident in that area has contracted the disease.

According to experts the weather is playing a key role in spreading the virus.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

"The weather got hotter later in the year, allowing mosquitoes to go through their life-cycle much quicker. Sometimes in as little as five days," said Deborah Bass of the Mosquito and Vector Control District.

Bass said even though it's been many weeks since the humans have been infected, they still go out in the area to see if a source can be found.

"We may find a catch basin that doesn't get rid of its water," she said giving an example.

She added that there is "absolutely" a chance that more human cases or cases involving birds could occur this year.

Health records show that 35 people in the county have been diagnosed with West Nile Virus since 2005.

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