Health officials received word late Wednesday that a Black-headed Grosbeak bird collected from the Pioneer area has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the first positive bird identified in Amador County this season. According to Dr. Bob Hartmann, County Health Officer, “This was not unexpected. No humans have tested positive for West Nile this year.” Most individuals who are infected with West Nile Virus will not experience any illness. Up to 20 percent of infected individuals will have only mild to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache and body aches. Less than 1 percent of individuals will develop serious neurological illness such as encephalitis and meningitis. The elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.

West Nile Virus is generally transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. There are a number of precautions individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These include, draining or dumping standing water in places where mosquitoes lay eggs, checking flowerpots, buckets, leaky water faucets or sprinklers weekly, making sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and applying insect repellant containing DEET. You can report any dead birds to 1-877-WNV-BIRD or visit www.westnile.ca.gov for tracking of West Nile Virus activity in your area.