GRAY, Maine — West Nile virus has been detected in a dead crow that was found in Gray.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported the result Wednesday, according to a news release from the town of Gray.
The town said the dead crow was found on Sept. 1.
"This is an isolated incident and there’s currently no evidence of further West Nile Virus cases in our community," the release stated.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can affect humans, birds, and other mammals, according to the release.
"Most people who are infected will have mild or no symptoms, but in some cases, it can cause severe illness requiring hospitalization," the release said.
Earlier this week, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a 40-year-old resident in Cumberland County had contracted the mosquito-borne illness, marking the first locally acquired case of West Nile Virus in a human since 2020.
Officials concluded the human case was contracted within Maine because the resident had no history of recent travel outside the state.
"This is the first locally acquired WNV infection detected in a Maine resident since 2020 and the second Maine resident to become infected with WNV this year," the release stated. "The results are presumptive while awaiting confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory."
The town of Gray advises residents to avoid mosquitoes if possible to decrease exposure risk to mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus.
Taking action by wearing insect repellant and protective clothing, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, like bird baths and flower pots, and using fans to steer insects away can help prevent exposure.
Questions can be directed to the Maine CDC at its 24-hour disease reporting and consultation number by calling 1-800-821-5821.
You can learn more about West Nile virus here.
