AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday the West Nile virus has been discovered in six wild Maine birds.
The health organization said the birds, which came from several counties, each tested positive for the virus.
"This is the earliest in the year that Maine CDC has found the mosquito-borne virus in birds," the Wednesday news release stated.
The Maine CDC said five of the birds were crows that came from Bangor, Bridgton, Fryeburg, Parsonsfield, and Sidney. The sixth bird, a hawk, was from Yarmouth.
According to the release, the birds were collected as part of routine surveillance by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
In addition, the Maine CDC said it is also investigating one case of the virus discovered in a Waldo County resident. Officials say this case was not acquired in Maine, but rather during travel outside the state.
"No mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV yet this year," the release said. "Maine last recorded a human case of WNV in 2018. In 2023, three animals and one mosquito pool tested positive for WNV in Maine."
Maine residents and visitors are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites during the active mosquito season, as West Nile isn't the only disease spread by the infamous insects.
In Maine, mosquitoes can also spread Eastern equine encephalitis virus and Jamestown Canyon virus. Maine mosquitoes have already tested positive this year for the Jamestown Canyon virus, according to the Maine CDC.
"There are currently no known human cases of any locally acquired mosquito-borne diseases in Maine this year," the Maine CDC added.
"While West Nile and other viruses carried by mosquitoes are rare, they can cause serious illness," Maine CDC Director Puthiery Va said in Wednesday's release. "It’s important that Maine people and visitors take precautions against bites, especially as these viruses are appearing earlier than usual this year. As you enjoy the Maine outdoors, protect yourself with simple steps and speak to your health provider promptly if you experience any symptoms."
These viruses cannot spread from human-to-human or human-to-animal contact, only through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many infected people experience no symptoms, while others may have fever and flu-like illness. More severe symptoms can occur, such as encephalitis and meningitis, the Maine CDC said. It's important to call your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself from these viruses is by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes. Always follow the instructions on the label.
- 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 the home. This is an ideal habitat for mosquitoes to lay eggs.
- Take steps to prevent mosquito bites when traveling.
"To help prevent mosquito-borne diseases in pets, talk to your veterinarian," the release advised. "Horse owners can protect horses with vaccines against EEE and WNV."
For more information about Maine mosquito surveillance reports that are updated weekly, click here. For answers to frequently asked questions about mosquitoes, click here. You can learn more about repellents here.