State and national health officials have begun the annual tracking and monitoring season of West Nile virus, and the state Department of Health launched an online dead bird reporting system for residents. Dead birds can signal that West Nile virus is circulating in a community.
The reporting system is available through the health department at Washington State Department of Health.
West Nile virus can cause illness in people and animals who receive a bite from an infected mosquito.
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito won’t get sick, according to the health department. Those with a weak immune system or who are at least 50 years old are more likely to develop serious illness.
