The first dead bird of the 2024 season has tested positive for West Nile Virus in the Sacramento area. The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the positive case on Wednesday.An American Crow was collected near Riverside Boulevard in Sacramento’s Land Park, according to the district. (Video player above: A 2023 report on what to know about West Nile Virus)”Finding the first positive bird is always significant because it provides an early warning sign for the disease,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “It confirms that the virus is present, shows us where we may find positive mosquito samples and where human cases may develop later in the season.” The district said this is the first evidence of the virus in the area, but other counties throughout the state have started to register activity.Dr. Vicki Kramer, chief of the vector-borne disease section with the California Department of Public Health, told KCRA 3 last year that the virus is a concern each year, especially during the summer.Most people don’t have symptoms, but about 20% experience mild to moderate symptoms like the flu or rash. While most symptoms last a few days, fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months.In rare cases, less than 1% of people, the disease can be serious or even deadly.Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, numbness or confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma.There have been more than 300 West Nile Virus cases reported since 2003.Certain species of birds, including crows, jays and magpies are more susceptible to the virus. If you see a dead bird, you can report it to the California Department of Public Health hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).To learn more about the virus, click here.
The first dead bird of the 2024 season has tested positive for West Nile Virus in the Sacramento area.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed the positive case on Wednesday.
An American Crow was collected near Riverside Boulevard in Sacramento’s Land Park, according to the district.
(Video player above: A 2023 report on what to know about West Nile Virus)
“Finding the first positive bird is always significant because it provides an early warning sign for the disease,” said District Manager Gary Goodman. “It confirms that the virus is present, shows us where we may find positive mosquito samples and where human cases may develop later in the season.”
The district said this is the first evidence of the virus in the area, but other counties throughout the state have started to register activity.
Dr. Vicki Kramer, chief of the vector-borne disease section with the California Department of Public Health, told KCRA 3 last year that the virus is a concern each year, especially during the summer.
Most people don’t have symptoms, but about 20% experience mild to moderate symptoms like the flu or rash. While most symptoms last a few days, fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months.
In rare cases, less than 1% of people, the disease can be serious or even deadly.
Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vision loss, numbness or confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma.
There have been more than 300 West Nile Virus cases reported since 2003.
Certain species of birds, including crows, jays and magpies are more susceptible to the virus. If you see a dead bird, you can report it to the California Department of Public Health hotline at 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
To learn more about the virus, click here.
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