West Nile Virus detected in Sonoma County

From the Sonoma County Gazette
July 6, 2021

The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed finding the first dead bird infected with West Nile virus for 2021. The American Crow was collected near Country Club Drive and Piezzi Road in Santa Rosa and is the first detection of West Nile virus in Sonoma County for the 2021 season.

“Mosquitoes that feed on West Nile virus infected birds can become infected with the virus and then transmit it to humans,” stated Dr. Kelly Liebman, Scientific Programs Manager for the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District. “This dead bird is a reminder that West Nile virus is present in our communities, and that residents should continue to practice personal protection measures against mosquitoes.”

District staff will continue to trap, test, and monitor the abundance of adult mosquitoes in the area and perform control operations as necessary. Vector control technicians are also inspecting all known sources of mosquito production and checking for new sources.

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