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House Finch Found To Have Virus

Scotts Valley, CA- A house finch was found in Scotts Valley that was contaminated with the West Nile Virus.

The bird was collected and submitted by county technicians, and found to be infected with the West Nile Virus on July 29th.

To date no human cases of West Nile have been found in California yet this year, but health officials are warning the public to take precautions.

The county Mosquito and Vector Control Authority are working to examine the area where the dead house finch was discovered, and they are working to reduce mosquito breeding areas and sources there, such as standing fountains, pools or other standing water.

County public health officials are alerted when a infected bird or animal is discovered but they were not wiling to answer questions.

Other methods being used it to put special fish in water and pools that eat mosquitoes that help to reduce the amount of insects present.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, and from the virus being contracted off of dead animals.

The virus causes body aches in 20 percent of the infected, and there are more serious viruses and disease in 1 out of 150 people that contract the disease.