West Nile Virus Kills Birds in Summit Area, Live Oak, Watsonville

For the first time in 2012, the West Nile Virus has been detected in Santa Cruz County. 

According to the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency, two birds were discovered with the ailment this week, a crow in Live Oak and an owl in the Summit area. West Nile Virus is passed through mosquitoes to a huge range of hosts.

The Health Services Agency has been waiting for West Nile Virus to creep back into the county all year, especially in recent weeks with other reported incidents in surrounding counties. On Wednesday, KSBW reported that a sparrow was found with West Nile in North Salinas and that a hawk was found dead from the virus just south of Watsonville. 

No human cases of West Nile have been reported yet in Santa Cruz County, but three human cases have been identified throughout the state. West Nile can go undetected in humans, but it has been shown to have a potential grave effect on children and the elderly. 

According to KSBW, "symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, and fatigue. In less than 1 percent of infected people, the virus causes serious neurological infections including encephalitis." 

Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control in an effort to abate West Nile and ease South-County itching. They will now browse Live Oak and the Summit area for mosquito breeding sources, according to the Health Services Agency.

There is no human vaccine for West Nile Virus, but health care providers can screen for it. With mosquitoes shown as the only transmitter, human-to-human contact with a person infected with West Nile is thought to be safe. The best way to avoid risking exposure to West Nile Virus is to steer clear of mosquitoes.

If you see a dead bird or squirrel, possibly of West Nile Virus, report it to 1-877-968-BIRD.