The West Nile virus is rapidly being detected in numerous dead birds across San Mateo County, leading health authorities to recommend various safety measures to residents. The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (SMCMVCD) confirms that as of October 13, there have been 12 such incidents.
The virus-stricken birds were found in several locales, including Belmont, Burlingame, Redwood City, San Carlos, and Menlo Park. Despite intensifying mosquito trapping and testing in these regions, the SMCMVCD has yet to discover any infected mosquitoes. The City of San Mateo advises residents to safeguard themselves from mosquito bites and report any dead birds they stumble upon.
🚨🦟#WestNile virus has been detected in dead birds in several cities in #SanMateo County.
— City of San Mateo (@CityofSanMateo) October 18, 2023
Protect yourself from mosquito bites & West Nile virus by:
💧Dump standing water
🧴Use insect repellent
🐦⬛Report dead birds & biting mosquitoes https://t.co/AOmdtUAH8o @SMCMVCD pic.twitter.com/Xyo4l3QapN
Eliminating still water where mosquitoes can breed, donning an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and reporting biting mosquitoes to SMCMVCD, are some ways that infection can be prevented. You can report dead birds, which could indicate the West Nile virus's presence in an area, by calling the California West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-877-968-2473 or visiting the West Nile virus reporting page.
Primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, West Nile virus manifests no symptoms in most infected persons. Notwithstanding, around 20% of such cases develop a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Making prevention measures and reporting all the more critical, in rare scenarios, the virus can cause severe illness, prolonged effects, or even death.
