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
Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t get sick, but some can get severely ill and may need to be hospitalized. People over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick. People in these groups should be very careful to prevent mosquito bites in summer and fall – just one bite can cause WNV.
There was 1 new WNV positive human case reported in California this week from Kings County. This is the first WNV positive human case from Kings County this year.
There were 9 new WNV positive dead birds reported in California this week from the following counties: Contra Costa (1), Fresno (2), Sacramento (1), San Diego (1), Santa Clara (3), and Tulare (1). This is the first indication of WNV from Contra Costa County this year.
There were 141 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California this week from the following counties: Fresno (4), Kern (7), Kings (4), Los Angeles (3), Madera (13), Placer (18), Sacramento (10), San Diego (18), San Joaquin (7), Stanislaus (8), and Tulare (49).
A mosquito sample may contain up to 50 individual mosquitoes.
Don’t Give Bugs a Biting Chance!
Insect Repellent Toolkit
If you find a dead bird (especially a crow, jay, magpie, raven, sparrow, finch, or hawk) please file a report online or call toll-free 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD). 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.