West Nile virus found in Atherton – residents urged to take precautions

Recently, two dead birds and a dead squirrel found in Atherton tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to Theresa DellaSanta, the interim City Manager. “The City Council and Town staff received an informational briefing Thursday night from Robert Gay with the San Mateo County Mosquito & Vector Control District,” she said, adding that the presentation can be viewed online.

In summary, Gay provided the following precautions for staff and Atherton residents:

• Residents who are getting bitten by mosquitoes around their homes or workplaces should contact the District at 650-344-8592.
• Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by  eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellent, by avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk, and by reporting neglected swimming pools by calling 650-344-8592 (anonymous calls accepted).
• Residents with a new backyard pond please contact the District so a Vector Control Technician can monitor your pond for mosquito production and prevent mosquitoes from emerging.
• Reports of dead birds are an early indication that the virus is circulating in the environment. Residents are encouraged to help by reporting fresh carcasses of birds or tree squirrels to the West Nile virus hotline, online at www.westnile.ca.gov or by phone at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).