West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes disease in humans, horses, and birds. WNV spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it can make people sick and even cause death. WNV is common in the United States, especially in California, and is a problem that is here to stay. The best way to prevent WNV is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes often get WNV from birds. Dead bird reports are one way of tracking where WNV could be spreading. You can help the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) track WNV in California by reporting dead birds.
Report a Dead Bird Look Up Local Vector Control Agency
About 1 in 5 people who become infected with West Nile virus will have symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting in the days after being bitten by a mosquito. Just one bite can spread WNV, but you can protect yourself with mosquito repellent.
There were 9 new WNV positive human cases reported in California this week from the following counties: Glenn (1), Kern (1), Los Angeles (2), Merced (1), Riverside (1), San Diego (1), and Yolo (2). This is the first indication of WNV from Glenn County this year.
There were 6 new WNV positive dead birds reported in California this week from the following counties: Alameda (1), Sacramento (1), San Mateo (1), and Santa Clara (3).
There were 58 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California this week from the following counties: Los Angeles (7), Madera (2), Orange (3), San Joaquin (13), Santa Clara (1), Stanislaus (1), Tulare (30), and Yolo (1).
A mosquito sample may contain up to 50 individual mosquitoes.
There were 4 new WNV positive sentinel chickens reported in California this week from Los Angeles County.
There was 1 new WNV positive horse reported in California this week from Tehama County. This is the first WNV positive horse from Tehama County this year.
Don’t Give Bugs a Biting Chance!
Insect Repellent Toolkit
CDPH accepts dead bird reports throughout the year. West Nile virus testing is limited from November to March but dead birds are still collected and tested in some areas of California during this time. Dead bird reports are often the first sign that WNV is active in an area, and they help CDPH track WNV in California all year long. Start your report here.