Two more dead birds found with West Nile virus

Two more dead birds in Rancho Murieta have been tested and found to be infected with West Nile virus.  That makes five infected birds found here in the last month. 

The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District reports a dead house finch was found in Murieta North, in the area of Venado Drive, and a dead Western scrub jay was found near Pescado Circle, also on the North.

South of the Cosumnes, a dead Western scrub jay had been found near Celebrar Street, and a sentinel bird, a chicken used to attract virus-bearing mosquitoes, was found to be infected as well.  In early July, an infected black crowned night heron was found dead near Laguna Joaquin.

Around Sacramento County, 458 dead birds and 13 sentinel animals have been found to be infected this year.

The first human fatality this year was announced Friday.  An 88-year-old woman in Kern County died of the disease.

Information about West Nile is available on the district's web site, fightthebite.net, where you can report a dead bird and download brochures.

Previous coverage:

• More findings of West Nile virus in Murieta (July 26, 2012)
• Dead bird in RM tests positive for West Nile (July 20, 2012)