Six wild birds in Maine tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Maine Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced July 31.
This is the earliest in the year that the mosquito-borne virus has been found in birds, according to a news release from Maine CDC.
The virus was found in crows from Bangor, Bridgton, Fryeburg, Parsonsfield and Sidney.
A hawk from Yarmouth also tested positive.
In Maine in 2023, three animals and one group of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus.
No mosquitoes have tested positive yet this year.
Maine last recorded a human case of West Nile Virus in 2018. However, Maine CDC is investigating a case of West Nile in a Waldo County resident that was not acquired in Maine.
“While West Nile and other viruses carried by mosquitoes are rare, they can cause serious illness,” Maine CDC Director Puthiery Va said.
Mosquitoes can also spread Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus and Jamestown Canyon virus. Jamestown Canyon was detected in mosquitoes earlier this year.
“It’s important that Maine people and visitors take precautions against bites, especially as these viruses are appearing earlier than usual this year,” Va said. “As you enjoy the Maine outdoors, protect yourself with simple steps and speak to your health provider promptly if you experience any symptoms.”
Maine CDC recommends the following steps to prevent mosquito-borne illness:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants;
- Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes;
- Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
- Use screens on windows and doors;
- Drain artificial sources of standing water around home to help prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.