As West Nile virus cases rise across California, three birds in Ventura County tested positive for the virus in August.
Two of the dead birds were found in Ventura and the other was in Camarillo, said officials at the Ventura County Environmental Health Division. The cases raise the county’s tally this year to six birds, compared to one a year ago.
Infected birds spread the disease to mosquitoes who can then spread it to people, horses and other animals. There have been no reported human cases in Ventura County since 2023, but local officials said the birds show the presence of the virus. They urged people to empty any standing water on their properties and to take other steps to protect themselves.
Across the state, 46 people have been infected
with the virus this year as of Aug. 21 with state officials asserting in a news release activity is at its highest level in five years.
There have been at least four deaths across the state linked to the virus, including one reported Aug. 20 in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County.
The virus causes no illness in many people but about 1 in 5 people who are infected can develop fever, body aches and nausea. In rare cases, the virus can trigger encephalitis or meningitis.
The biggest factor in the rise in the virus is the weather, said Cary Svoboda, Ventura County vector control supervisor. He pointed at rain in December and hot weather in March.
"It gave them a really early start," he said, noting the continued onslaught of heat and humidity has also helped the mosquitoes and plays a role in the transmission of the virus from birds to mosquitoes. "It's helped by the high temperatures."
The number of cases is also influenced by the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area as well as other factors, said California Department of Public Health officials. They urged people to practice what they called the “Three Ds."
- DEET – Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, containing an active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
- Dawn and Dusk – Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite in the early morning and evening. Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants if outside during these times. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
- Drain – Mosquitoes lay eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets and other containers.
To report mosquitoes or potential breeding sources in Ventura County, call the mosquito complaint hotline at 805-658-4310. To request mosquito-eating fish call 805-662-6582. Report wild birds that have died recently at westnile.ca.gov or call 877-968-2473.
Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: More birds infected with West Nile virus found in Ventura, Camarillo
