Vermont health officials announced Tuesday that three birds have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness in Vermont this summer.
The three dead birds were collected from Windsor, Rutland and Franklin counties about two weeks ago. Health Department officials say they are tracking the virus across the state. They urge Vermonters to call the Department of Health to report dead birds.
Last year 125 birds from 11 Vermont counties tested positive for West Nile virus.
In humans, the disease causes brain inflammation and can cause symptoms similar to the flu. There was also one confirmed human case in Vermont in 2002. No human cases have been reported this year.
Note:
To report dead birds, call that Health Department at (800) 913-1139. For more information from Health Department, go to www.healthyvermonters.info.