West Nile Virus: Alameda County's First 2020 Case In Tri-Valley

DUBLIN, CA — A dead bird found in Dublin tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District announced Monday.

This marks the county's first West Nile case of 2020. Statewide, 81 dead birds, 675 mosquito samples and 10 people tested positive for West Nile virus as of Monday, the county said in a news release.

The bird was tested August 7 after the dead bird was discovered and reported, the county said. Dead birds help the county keep tabs on West Nile virus activity.

The West Nile virus has no cure and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Residents should remove standing water from their property, wear mosquito repellents, verify door and window screens are free of holes, and wear long and loose clothing, the county said. Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk.

Horse owners are advised to vaccinate their horses, as they are especially susceptible to the virus.

"Even though this summer is very different from what we normally experience, West Nile virus is still something we need to be concerned about," said General Manager Ryan Clausnitzer in the release. "While we are not detecting high numbers of mosquitoes in the area where the bird was found, there is an increased risk of West Nile virus with every mosquito bite."

The county is keeping a close eye on mosquitoes in the area and is looking to locate standing water sources where mosquitoes can breed, such as swimming pools, buckets, tires, fountains, storm drains and more.

One in five people infected with the virus develop symptoms such as fever, headache, aches, joint pains, vomiting or rash, and fewer than one percent of infected people develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, the county said. People who are older than 50 years old or have compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to serious complications.

Seek medical care immediately if you begin to experience symptoms, the county said.

Call the county at 510-783-7744 or visit mosquitoes.org for more information or to request services, such as receiving mosquitofish for standing water on your property.