FIRST BIRD DEATH FROM WEST NILE CONFIRMED IN A.V.

Byline: CHARLES F. BOSTWICK Staff Writer

PALMDALE -- A European starling found dead Aug. 8 in west Palmdale has been confirmed as the Antelope Valley's first bird death this year from West Nile virus.

A west Palmdale resident found the dead bird near 30th Street West and Avenue P and reported it over the state's telephone hotline for the West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes that bite infected birds.

``August and September is generally the peak season of virus transmission,'' Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District entomologist Karen Mellor said. ``Since infected mosquitoes are probably in other areas of the A.V. as well, people need to be aware of the potential danger and should also wear repellents when going to the evening events at the A.V. Fair.''

Since the virus first turned up in the Antelope Valley in 2003, it has sickened and killed birds and horses, but so far no people, officials said.

The virus was detected in May in central Lancaster and in June in central Palmdale, both times in flocks of chickens kept by the mosquito-control district to detect mosquito-borne diseases.

Last year, the virus killed 199 people nationwide, including 19 in California. This year, the virus has killed an elderly woman in Butte County.

In Los Angeles County, the virus has been detected this year in four people, of whom two showed no symptoms of illness.

Mosquito-abatement officials advised Antelope Valley residents to wear insect repellent when they are outside at dusk and dawn and to remove any standing water on their property.

``The close proximity to the park and the fact that there are two Starlight Concerts, one Family Movie Night and other evening events scheduled there makes it even more crucial to use precautions,'' Mellor said.

Mosquito-control officials ask the public to help detect West Nile virus by reporting recently deceased birds -- without obvious trauma -- to the dead bird hotline at 1-(877)-WNV- BIRD [phone] or online at www.westnile.ca.gov.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that feed on the blood of infected birds and then pass it on to humans or other animals. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact or by handling dead birds, experts said.

Health officials say the risk of acquiring the virus is low. About 80 percent of people who become infected with the virus show no symptoms, and most of those who become ill show only mild flu-like symptoms.

In rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis and death. People older than 50 are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for the virus.

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