Dead Bird Found In Benicia Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — A bird found in the city of Benicia tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials said Tuesday.

The bird, a California Scrub-Jay, was collected July 12 in eastern Benicia, according to officials with the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services Public Health division and the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District.

"This marks the official start of West Nile virus season in Solano County," said Dr. Christine Wu, the county's deputy health officer. "This is an important reminder for residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid coming in contact with mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent when outside and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed."

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

As of Tuesday in California, there were a total of four positive human cases of West Nile virus among three California counties, Stanislaus, Madera and Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The SCMAD staff is conducting surveillance activities in the affected area of Benicia to apply appropriate control measures where mosquitoes of the same infected species are present.

"The District is increasing mosquito monitoring throughout the areas with West Nile Virus activity," said Richard Snyder, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager. "I urge residents to join us in our prevention and control efforts by making sure they don't have any standing water on their property and to report any unmaintained swimming pools and stagnant water by calling us at (707) 437-1116."

According to county officials, most people — about four in five — infected with the West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms. About one in five will develop mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. However, about 1 percent — about one in 150 — of people with WNV infections will develop severe neurological disease. In rare cases, WNV infection can be fatal.

Anyone can become infected with West Nile virus, but people who are 60 or older and those with certain medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are at greater risk of developing severe illness and complications.

Solano County officials offered the following guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illness:

Dawn, Dusk

Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening. Residents should avoid being outside at these times. If you are outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and use insect repellent

Drain Standing Water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Residents should eliminate all sources of standing water on their property and drain empty flower pots, buckets, barrels, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have an ornamental pond, contact the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District at 707-437-1116 for a free mosquito fish.

DEET, Other Repellents

Insect repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or para-menthane-diol products per the manufacturer's instructions.

Doors, Windows

Residents should ensure that their doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

Dead Birds

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds and squirrels online at WestNile.Ca.Gov or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).