Dead bird in Atascadero tests positive for West Nile

A dead bird collected from Atascadero has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Western scrub-jay was collected on Sept. 18. It is the first confirmed case of West Nile in San Luis Obispo County in 2017.

According to the California Department of Public Health, the virus has been found in 43 counties throughout California. This year, 211 humans have been diagnosed with eight deaths attributed to the virus.

West Nile is most often transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious neurological issues for less than one percent of those infected. The risk of death is higher for people over the age of 50.

San Luis Obispo County health officials are reminding residents to limit the spread of West Nile by protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

Repellents, protective clothing and draining of standing water are all effective ways to limit the spread of West Nile.