Dead bird first sign of West Nile in Stanislaus this year

A dead bird in Modesto that tested positive for West Nile virus is the first detection of the disease in Stanislaus County this year, the East Side Mosquito Abatement District announced Monday afternoon.

As of Friday, West Nile has been detected in 10 California counties through birds and mosquito samples. There have been no cases in people or horses yet this year.

Reporting dead birds for testing is an important step in preventing the spread of West Nile virus. To do so, call the state hotline at (877) 968-2473 or go online to www.westnile.ca.gov. Birds of particular interest are crows, ravens, magpies, jays and raptors (hawks and eagles).

The East Side and Turlock mosquito abatement districts are recommending steps to protect against mosquito bites and West Nile. They include:

▪ Eliminate sources of standing water.

▪ Avoid time outside when mosquitoes are most active – early morning and late afternoon.

▪ Apply insect repellent containing DEET.

▪ When outside, cover as much skin as possible through long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing.

▪ Have tight-fitting screens on home windows.

To report mosquito-breeding problem areas, Stanislaus County residents north of the Tuolumne River should call the East Side district at (209) 522-4098; all others should call the Turlock district at (209) 634-1234.

For more information on West Nile virus, see the Stanislaus County emergency website at www.stanemergency.com.

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Dead bird first sign of West Nile in Stanislaus this year."