From KTVN
May 23, 2018
Health officials in El Dorado County are reporting that a bird found in the South Lake Tahoe area has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
This is the first case found in the area for 2018.
The animal in question was collected on May 7.
Three counties reported West Nile in dead birds this year, including San Mateo and Santa Clara.
Health officials say West Nile positive birds can heighten the risk of infection in humans. West Nile is transferred to humans through mosquitoes that carry the virus after they’ve fed on infected birds. The illness cannot spread from person-to-person but they’re saying it’s important to take precautions.
Symptoms of West Nile vary, with some showing no signs at all to high fever, severe headache, fatigue or a stiff neck that can last up to several weeks. The most serious cases can lead to encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain and can be fatal.