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Dead bird in Bay Area park sounds 'wake
SFGATE • • health
Key Points:
- A dead crow in Menlo Park tested positive for West Nile virus, raising concerns amid a statewide increase in infected birds, which have already surpassed last year's total in California.
- So far in 2026, only two human cases have been reported in California, but experts warn this may be the start of a potentially more severe West Nile season, consistent with the typical summer-to-fall pattern.
- The CDC has reported a national surge in West Nile cases, with the highest number of human infections by this time of year since 2004, driven by early virus circulation in 23 states.
- Experts attribute the rise to weather patterns that favor mosquito breeding and virus replication, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing and eliminating standing water.
- Local mosquito control authorities in San Mateo County responded to the crow incident by increasing surveillance but found no infected mosquitoes in the immediate area, underscoring ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate West Nile virus risks.
