A disease which can cause a serious and potentially fatal flulike illness has surfaced for the first time this year in Ventura County.
A bird in Simi Valley tested positive for West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and spreads when an infected mosquito bites a bird, and then another mosquito bites the infected bird.
The disease is established in the Tri-Counties, but becomes an issue at times of the year when mosquitoes are more common. No human cases have been reported in the county so far this year. But, the discovery of the infected bird is a warning sign for the public.
County Environmental Health officials say you should eliminate all standing water on your property, because it's where mosquitoes breed. You should also use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and pants if you are outdoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitos are out.
