Birds in county test positive for West Nile virus

County agencies are warning that West Nile virus has been found in an unusually high number of birds this early in the year, including in Huntington Beach.

While no human cases have been reported in the area so far, officials are asking the public to take precautions.

Members of the public have pointed out 13 birds in Orange County that tested positive for the virus in the first nine days of May. That’s a level that hasn’t been seen since an outbreak in 2004 that killed four people, Orange County Vector Control District spokesman Michael Hearst said.

“We should treat this as a reminder that it’s being transmitted at a pretty good rate around the county,” he said. “And that’s happening even as we have very low mosquito counts.”

What to do? Watch out for standing water, Hearst said: Clear it out if it’s on your property, and call the county about it if it’s on public land or a vacant area.

As for personal safety, use mosquito repellent and make sure all windows have screens on them, he added.

“West Nile virus sort of waned since 2004,” Hearst said.

“We want people to realize that’s because they’ve been taking precautions, not because it goes away on its own. The purpose behind this [announcement] is not to scare people but to remind to keep doing what they’re doing.”

To report dead birds or standing water that might be breeding mosquitoes, call (714) 971-2421.