A Culex tarsalis mosquito resting on human skin, shows the dark-scaled proboscis which has a broad median white band on September 20, 2005. The Culex tarsalis can spread Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), and California Encephalitis, and is currently the main vector of West Nile virus in the Western United States. (James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control via Bay City News)

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District has detected West Nile Virus in the area, the District confirmed.

A California scrub jay in San Ramon tested positive for the virus, the District said on Monday. The scrub jay represents the first bird to test positive for the virus in Contra Costa this year, but both Alameda and Santa Clara counties have also reported infected birds this year, according to a release from the District. Infected birds are often the first sign of the presence of West Nile virus in a particular location, they said.

Continue reading for free

Sign in to read this story and receive the weekly roundup in your inbox.

Or

Terms & Conditions

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.