Early signs of West Nile in Bay Area birds

Two dead crows in Northern California have raised alarms about West Nile virus returning for the season. Found in Newark and San Jose, these birds were part of routine tracking efforts that often spot the virus before it affects people. The disease isn’t new to California—it’s been circulating for years, mostly between birds and mosquitoes. Humans and horses rarely catch it, but when they do, it’s usually from an infected mosquito bite. Experts say we’re just accidental hosts, not part of the virus’s main cycle.Why do dead birds matter? They’re often the first warning sign. Mosquitoes spread the virus by feeding on sick birds, then biting humans or animals. So far, tests on thousands of mosquito pools show no infections, but that could change as temperatures rise. Weather plays a big role in how fast the virus spreads. Heavy rains followed by heat create perfect mosquito breeding grounds. Even a few warm days can speed up the process, making mosquitoes infectious quicker than expected. The bugs responsible are Culex mosquitoes, active at night and drawn to stagnant water. Officials suggest simple steps to stay safe: dump out standing water, cover up at dusk, and use repellent when needed. Prevention is key as summer kicks off.