3 More Cases of West Nile

Three more dead crows have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the number of infected birds in Ventura County to six this year, officials said Friday.

The three birds were found at the western end of Simi Valley between July 15 and July 20, near where another bird was found earlier this month, said Randy Smith, a manager with the county’s Environmental Health Division.

Since testing began in January, two other crows have tested positive for the virus in Ojai and Newbury Park. Crows, blue jays and ravens are known carriers of the virus.

Authorities set up mosquito traps in Simi Valley after the first infected bird was discovered there. Smith said the county would reintroduce traps to the area next week to determine the insects’ species.

If enough samples are collected, the mosquitoes will be sent to a state laboratory for West Nile testing, Smith said.

With more cases of the virus being reported throughout the state, authorities said they would step up abatement efforts in Ventura County. Neighboring Santa Barbara County reported its first case of the virus Thursday when two dead crows tested positive for West Nile.

“We are going to go out to the areas where the birds are found and continue checking to make sure that we’re hitting all the known mosquito sources and controlling mosquito breeding,” Smith said of Ventura County’s increased efforts.

Fifty-four human cases of West Nile have been reported in California this year, and one Orange County man died from the virus in June. No human cases have been reported in Ventura County.

Humans usually contract the disease caused by West Nile virus via the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten don’t get the disease, however, and less than 1% of cases are fatal. Those who do get the disease experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, nausea, headaches and body aches.

The public can minimize exposure to the virus by applying insect repellent with the active ingredient DEET, making sure doors and windows are tightly screened, and eliminating standing water, which attracts mosquitoes.

Smith also suggested limiting outdoor activity at night when mosquitoes are most active and wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.