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
Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are more likely to bite in the early morning (dawn) and evening (dusk). If you are outside during these times, protect yourself: wear long sleeves and pants and use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent.
There was 1 new WNV positive human case reported in California last week from Stanislaus County. This is the first WNV positive human case from Stanislaus County this year.
There were 16 new WNV positive dead birds reported in California last week from the following counties: Fresno (1), Sacramento (4), San Diego (4), and Santa Clara (7). This is the first WNV positive dead bird from Sacramento County this year.
There were 142 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California last week from the following counties: Fresno (4), Kern (4), Kings (2), Los Angeles (3), Madera (20), Merced (1), Placer (14), Sacramento (3), San Diego (26), San Joaquin (2), Shasta (1), Stanislaus (15), Sutter (1), Tulare (45), and Yuba (1). This is the first indication of WNV from Los Angeles, Shasta, Sutter, and Yuba 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.