A dead bird in Fresno County has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first detection of virus activity in the county this year, health officials said.

The California Department of Public Health notified local authorities that the bird was collected in the city of Fresno, according to the Fresno County Department of Public Health

“The WNV positive dead bird found in Fresno County is an indicator that the virus is active in our community,” Fresno County Health Officer Dr. Trinidad Solis said in a statement. “Residents should take every precaution to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”

County health officials urged residents to contact their local mosquito control district about standing water, mosquito problems, and neglected swimming pools, which officials said are a major source of mosquito production in urban and suburban areas.

The county also advised residents to follow the “Three Ds” to reduce the risk of infection:

• Deter: Use insect repellents containing EPA-approved ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.
• Dawn and dusk: Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus typically bite during the early morning and evening hours. Residents are encouraged to wear protective clothing outdoors and ensure window and door screens are intact.
• Drain: Remove standing water from items such as flowerpots, tires and buckets, and prevent irrigation runoff into streets and gutters.

Residents are encouraged to report dead birds through the California West Nile website or by calling 1-877-WNV-BIRD.

Information about local mosquito abatement districts is available at fresnocountymosquito.org.

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