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
It’s the season for fireworks and fun outdoors. But don’t forget about mosquitoes! The mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are out to bite in the evening, especially in summer. If you are spending time outdoors, protect yourself with EPA-registered insect repellent that will help keep pesky mosquitoes away.
There were 7 new WNV positive dead birds reported in California last week from the following counties: Fresno (3), Kern (1), San Joaquin (2), and Tulare (1). These are the first WNV positive dead birds from Fresno, Kern, and San Joaquin counties this year.
There were 104 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California last week from the following counties: Fresno (9), Kern (5), Kings (1), Madera (4), Merced (1), Placer (16), San Diego (16), San Joaquin (3), Stanislaus (3), Tulare (45), and Yolo (1). This is the first WNV positive mosquito sample from San Diego County this year.
This is the first indication of WNV from Kings and Madera counties this year.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.