Bay City News
Contra Costa County officials said Friday additional invasive yellow fever mosquitoes have been found this week at various locations in Antioch.
This day-biting mosquito species, also known as the Aedes aegypti, is capable of transmitting Zika, dengue fever, Chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses.
In response, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District will continue to perform more door-to-door inspections on Saturdays in the area bordered by state Highway 4 to the north, Bluerock Drive to the south, Lone Tree Way to the west, and Deer Valley Road to the east.
The district first identified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Antioch in late September, when they were collected during a backyard inspection.
As additional trapping and inspections were conducted in the neighborhood, more invasive mosquitoes were found, prompting the district to set mosquito traps throughout the area and conduct door-to-door inspections to determine how widespread the infestation was.
The district said it found mosquito larvae (young mosquitoes) in common backyard items that can hold water, including potted plant saucers, buckets, wheelbarrows, fountains and toys.