HAYWARD – Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in the Bruno Canziani park area in Livermore once again. In response, the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District will be fogging for adult mosquitoes on Thursday, August 21st from 10pm to 5am, weather permitting. District personnel will be applying Pyrenone 25-5 Public Health Insecticide at a rate of .04oz./acre by a truck mounted ultra low volume sprayer. The area targeted for the treatment is generally bordered by – East Ave. on the north; Buena Vista Ave. on the west; S. Vasco Rd. on the east; and Tesla Rd. on the south. A map of the fogging zone can be seen below.

“The continued presence of West Nile virus infected mosquitoes at this site is a threat to the health of people living in this neighborhood,” said District manager Chindi Peavey. “The District is dedicated to protecting the health of Alameda County residents and based on our surveillance, we feel that action is needed to reduce the presence of adult mosquitoes in this area.”

To date in Alameda County, Livermore has had 47 of the 58 West Nile virus positive dead birds, and 12 groups of positive mosquitoes. The District continues its surveillance and larval control program throughout the county. Residents are urged to be proactive by eliminating sources of water where mosquitoes can breed and protecting themselves from mosquito bites. If you come across a dead bird please report it by calling (877)WNV-BIRD or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

As of August 20th, California has had 1,480 dead birds, 2,041 mosquito samples, 129sentinel chickens, and 93 humans test positive for West Nile virus. Four people in California have died from West Nile virus this year. Bird, mosquito, and human numbers are all higher than this time last year.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no cure for West Nile virus. 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 neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. 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. For information concerning West Nile virus symptoms or testing please contact the Alameda County Public Health Department at (510)267-8001.

Since horses are very susceptible to West Nile virus and vaccines are available, horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians immediately about timely vaccinations.

For information about mosquitoes, West Nile virus, or the fogging operation please visit our website: www.mosquitoes.org. Residents can request mosquitofish for their fish ponds, horse troughs, etc. by contacting our District office. We are located in Hayward at 23187 Connecticut St. Our phone number is (510)783-7744.