The West Nile situation continues to represent a threat because the weather is still warm and mosquitoes are still active. There is a risk of West Nile virus infection as long as mosquitoes are active.

The most recent cases of West Nile infection are a 28-year-old woman and a young girl from Brentwood and a 43-year-old woman from Oakley, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. All three patients are recovering. These new cases bring the number of West Nile virus cases from Contra Costa County to four.

Given this situation, Contra Costa County officials are reminding people that the Antioch and Brentwood area remain high risk areas for the West Nile virus.

Officials advise residents to reduce their risk of mosquito bites by limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear insect repellent containing DEET, eliminate all sources of standing water, which are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A single source of standing water can produce millions of mosquitoes, which can pose health risks to a large area. People are encouraged to report dead birds to health agencies for testing.

The mosquito-transmitted disease is a potentially serious illness for people and can cause inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches; skin rash or fatigue; and weakness. Severe infections are marked by rapid onset of high fever, head and body aches, tremors, convulsions, and in rare cases paralysis and death. People older than 50 and those with a weakened immune system have the highest risk for serious illness.