Deadly West Nile Case Found In Wildomar

A dead crow found in Wildomar has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health announced today.

The California Department of Public Health confirmed that the crow, which was found near Baxter Road, was infected with the virus.

County Environmental Health officials submitted the dead bird for testing on Aug. 1.

The bird had what was described as a chronic infection, which means it had been infected for some time, according to a Department of Environmental Health news release.

Because crows’ daily flight patterns typically extend more than several miles from their roosting place, it is very difficult to determine exactly when and where the bird became infected, the news release stated.

The bird in Wildomar was the first confirmed case this season in the central section and most of the western section of Riverside County.

The Department of Environmental Health is an active participant in the state’s Dead Bird Surveillance Program, monitoring the virus’ transmission cycle among adult mosquito populations and birds, according to the news release.

Surveillance is important because an increase in the number of birds that die from the virus may indicate increased infection among adult mosquitoes, which poses a potential health risk to humans and horses.

Individuals who find any crows, ravens, magpies or jays that have been dead less than 24 hours are asked to call the toll-free line 1-877-WNV-Bird to have them tested.

Horse owners should  contact their veterinarians to ensure equines are vaccinated against the potentially deadly disease.

Residents can take steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:

**         When outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, apply insect repellent according to the label instructions.

**         Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.

**         Report stagnant swimming pools in your area to your local mosquito and vector control agency, or municipal code-enforcement agency.

**         Contact your local mosquito and vector-control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.

For more information, contact the Department of Environmental Health Vector Control Program in Hemet at 951-766-9454.