West Nile Virus has been found in Shasta County for the first time this season. Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control found the virus in two batches of Mosquitos collected in Southeast Anderson. West Nile is spread 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. 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