San Andreas, CA — Local health officials have received notice from the state that a bird in the Copperopolis area has tested positive for West Nile virus.
This marks the third confirmed infected bird in the county this year. Birds from the Rail Road Flat area and Copperopolis were previously reported with West Nile in July.
County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita reminds individuals the best way to avoid infected mosqito bites is to eliminate breeding places by draining standing water, emptying wading pools, buckets, barrels and other containers and change water in animal troughs and bird baths every few days.
In addition, avoid the times of the day when mosquitos are most active (dawn and dusk), wear long sleeves and long pants and use appropriate repellants.
Already this year there have been 10 human deaths from West Nile Virus in California.
Written by Bill Johnson
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 1:49 pm