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
People are most often infected with West Nile virus during the summer and early fall when the mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active. When the weather is warm, mosquitoes are active and disease risk is highest.
There were 71 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California last week from the following counties: Imperial (1), Kern (6), Placer (1), San Joaquin (4), Stanislaus (2), Tulare (56), and Yolo (1). This is the first indication of WNV from Imperial, Placer, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Yolo 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.