Shasta County has had its first known human case of West Nile Virus this season. It was confirmed last week by Shasta County Health and Services Agency. West Nile is transmitted to people by mosquitoes after they bite an infected bird. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, severe headache, confusion or a stiff neck. Everyone should check their yards and eliminate standing water where mosquitos can breed. West Nile is especially deadly for horses, the only species for which a vaccine exists. Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control and their colleagues in Eastern Shasta County have been performing control measures to reduce larval and adult mosquitoes. Heavy mosquito problems can be reported to 365-3768 or shastamosquito.org. Dead crows, jays and magpies can be reported to westnile.ca.gov.
-Steve Gibson