A bird that tested positive for the West Nile virus was found at 540 El Camino Real in San Mateo, next to Central Park, according to officials from the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
District officials are now awaiting results from mosquito traps. This is the second bird found infected in San Mateo this week and fogging took place in the northern portion of North Central San Mateo on Monday night and Tuesday morning after mosquitoes tested positive in the area. The fogging was the second treatment in the area since late June.
A Western Scrub Jay was reported as infected in Portola Valley July 9 and another American Crow was found in Menlo Park July 15.
Humans, horses and other animals can become infected with the virus if bitten by an infected mosquito, it cannot be spread person to person, according to the district.
From 2004 through 2013, 64 dead birds and 16 squirrels collected in the county tested positive for the virus.
To date in 2014, West Nile virus has been detected in 33 counties statewide. As of last week, 15 people have contracted West Nile this year, more than three times as many as in 2013, according to the state Department of Public Health.
To avoid mosquito bites and deter breeding, residents should drain any standing water and wear proper clothing and repellent, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
If anyone notices a bird or squirrel carcass, they should report it to the West Nile virus hotline at www.westnile.ca.gov or call (877) 968-2473.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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