San Andreas Bird Tests Positive For West Nile

San Andreas, Ca — The California Department of Public Health says that a bird found in San Andreas has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

?This positive finding is a reminder that the West Nile Virus is present in Calaveras County, and the public needs to continue precautions against infection,? says Calaveras County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita. ?Many California counties are reporting increases in West Nile Virus activity.?

This marks the first indication this year that virus is present in Calaveras County. There have been no reported human cases, but there have been 78 across the state. Two of the human cases were as close as San Joaquin County. Tuolumne County has had no cases of the virus this year.

The best way to prevent mosquito bites, which is the cause of WNV, are to wear insect repellent with deet, wear long sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors, eliminating sources of standing water and avoiding time outside at dusk and dawn.

Written by BJ Hansen