Bird Found With West Nile Virus in Nearby Oak Park

A bird found in Oak Park has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, theVentura County Star reports. 

The bird, which reportedly was recently infected, was collected during the fist week of August, the Star said.

This was the sixth bird found with the infection this year in Ventura County, said the Star.

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West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  There is no cure for West Nile virus. In 2012, 174 human cases of WNV were reported in Los Angeles County, the second highest count documented since 2004. Of those who showed symptoms, 85 percent required hospitalization and 4 percent were fatal. 

Residents can be vigilant against the threat of West Nile virus in their neighborhoods by following these simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and guard against mosquito bites:

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained and report neglected pools in your neighborhood.
• Request FREE mosquitofish from your local vector control district for placement in out-of-order swimming pools, spas, and ponds.
• Wear insect repellent containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 when outdoors where mosquitoes are present.