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Second West Nile-infected bird found |
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Written by Press Banner
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Thursday, 02 October 2008 |
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The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that a dead Western
screech owl found in the Zayante-Lompico area had been infected with
West Nile Virus, which can be fatal to humans.
The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that a dead Western screech owl found in the Zayante-Lompico area had been infected with West Nile Virus, which can be fatal to humans.
County Mosquito and Vector Control manager Paul Binding said the bird, found Sept. 15, was the second infected bird discovered in the county this year. The first was a house finch found July 29 in Scotts Valley.
The virus is carried by mosquitoes and can spread to birds, horses and humans. Binding reminded residents to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed and to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants and using a repellent containing DEET.
West Nile usually produces flu-like symptoms, but the virus has caused five human deaths in the state this year and killed or sickened 20 unvaccinated horses and thousands of other animals and birds.
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