West Nile virus found in dead bird

Mosquito traps to be set up; water draining advised

MENLO PARK — A dead bird found in Menlo Park on Monday tested positive for West Nile virus, the first indication of the virus in San Mateo County this year, officials said.

Officials with the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District will set up mosquito traps in the neighborhood where the bird was found to perform further West Nile Virus tests. The district said they will continue to use a pest management program to control mosquito populations and routinely inspect standing water where mosquitoes develop.

Though the risk of West Nile virus in humans remains low in San Mateo County, reports of dead birds are generally the first sign that the virus is circulating in the environment, officials said. No humans were infected with the virus in San Mateo County in 2014.

The district advises residents to drain all sources of standing water on their property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls that act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents are also advised to wear proper clothing at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite, as well as bug repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

Anyone who discovers a dead bird or tree squirrel is encouraged to call the state’s West Nile virus hot line at 877- 968- 2473.