West Nile kills two birds in Rohnert Park

Two dead birds found in Rohnert Park tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District.

The two American crows were discovered in the vicinity of Racquet Club Circle and Country Club Drive in Rohnert Park and bring the number of dead birds confirmed to be infected with the virus this summer to six.

West Nile is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus develop serious illness. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, rashes, swollen lymph nodes and vomiting.

District officials said residents can help prevent spread of the virus by reporting dead birds as well as taking steps to keep mosquitoes from breeding near their homes by draining temporary sources of standing water, making sure septic tank lids are sealed and vent pipes have fresh screens and stocking backyard ponds with mosquitofish, which can be obtained from the district free of charge.

Residents can report dead birds by calling the mosquito district at (877) 968-2473.

You can reach Staff Writer Elizabeth M. Cosin at 521-5276 or elizabeth.cosin@pressdemocrat.com.