Mosquito Fogging Planned Wednesday in Martinez, Discovery Bay

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District crews will fog parts of Martinez and Discovery Bay on Wednesday after more birds and mosquitoes found in the area tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Insecticide will be sprayed from trucks between 5:30 a.m. and 6:50 a.m. in an area of Discovery Bay bounded on the west by Channel and Cherry Hill drives, on the east by unincorporated farmland, on the north by Marina Road and on the south by Wayfarer Drive and Cherry Hills Road, according to district officials.

In Martinez, crews will fog the waterfront area bordered on the east by Pacheco Creek, on the west by Ferry Street, on the north by the Carquinez Strait and on the south by Marina Vista Avenue and Waterfront Road between about 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday.

The fogging was prompted by the recent discovery of groups of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in both Martinez and Discovery Bay as well as three dead birds found this week in Oakley, Antioch and Brentwood that tested positive for the disease, according to district officials.

"Our surveillance efforts indicate that fogging is necessary to protect people," district spokeswoman Deborah Bass said.

"Once the adult mosquitoes have the virus, they are capable of infecting people. It only takes one bite and everyone is susceptible," she said.

While most people infected with West Nile virus don't exhibit symptoms, more serious cases can manifest in fever, rash, head and body aches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and in rare cases, death.

Residents are encouraged to do their part to protect themselves against the virus by wearing mosquito repellent while outdoors and avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are most prevalent - usually dawn and dusk.

Another important safeguard against mosquitoes is dumping or draining any standing water, which attracts the pests.

Neglected swimming pools are major mosquito magnets and residents are asked to report them by calling (925) 771-6195.

The public is also encouraged report dead birds, which can then be tested for the virus, to the state hotline at (877) 968-2473 or at www.westnile.ca.gov.

--Bay City News