In a news release Monday, Public Health Sudbury & Districts confirmed an American crow in the Espanola area has tested positive for West Nile virus, and the last infected bird reported was last year. “The last person confirmed to have been infected with West Nile virus infection in our area was in 2023,” said manager Jonathan Groulx. “This infected bird reminds us that although the overall risk of a person becoming sick with West Nile virus is low, the virus is still present “ He said taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites and becoming infected with West Nile virus is important. West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to Public Health. “Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but some people may experience mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands.” While the overall risk remains low, late summer is typically the time of greatest risk for contracting West Nile virus.
