Birds carrying the virus have been found in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Callers should report the location of the dead bird, the date and the number of birds observed. Callers will receive proper handling instructions. A Department of Health representative is available for emergency cases at other times. The West Nile virus can be spread to people by an infected northern house mosquito.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds.
Those mosquitoes then can transmit the virus from infected birds. State officials have been conducting mosquito surveillance since April 3. Residents can eliminate mosquito-breeding sites in their homes and neighborhoods through simple actions, such as properly maintaining birdbaths and water gardens, and properly storing outdoor containers. West Nile virus, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can cause an inflammation of the brain. Older people have the highest risk of developing severe illness because, as people age, their bodies have a harder time fighting off disease.