"Neglected (unmaintained or improperly maintained) swimming pools in residential neighborhoods have the potential to produce thousands of mosquitoes that are capable of becoming infected with WNV, putting the entire neighborhood at risk. That is why it's so important to maintain swimming pools properly and to report neglected swimming pools to the District to reduce the risk of mosquitoes and WNV," said Scientific Program Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D.

Contra Costa County residents can report an unmaintained swimming pool by phone at 925-685-9301 or online. Neglected swimming pools may be reported anonymously.

In addition to reporting unmaintained swimming pools to reduce the risk of WNV, the District also advises Contra Costa County residents to:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent that includes one of the four most effective active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or the repellent version of Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Make sure door and window screens are in good working condition
• Report dead birds to the California West Nile Virus Dead Bird Call Center
• Contact the District to request mosquito service

Contra Costa County residents can report dead birds by phone at (877) WNV-BIRD (968-2473) or online. County residents can also request mosquito service for their residential properties by calling (925) 685-9301 or online.

Since 2003, 77 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. For human case information, please visit the California Department of Public Health Vector-Borne Disease Section online.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord.