PORT PERRY -- A second crow in Durham has tested positive for West Nile virus, after being picked up in Port Perry.

The bird was found Aug. 5 and sent for testing to a Guelph lab. The first infected crow of the summer was picked up on July 24 in Uxbridge.

“What it tells us is West Nile Virus is present in the region and nothing more than that, it doesn’t tell us one area is more at risk than the others,” said Neal Mattes, senior inspector for the health department.

Mr. Mattes said everyone should take precautions against mosquitoes, which transmit the virus.

“We know that it’s present in the region and we would advise people in Pickering to take the same precautions as those in Beaverton.”

The Region monitors for West Nile virus starting in May each summer. So far, it has submitted 31 dead birds for testing. Residents are urged to report sightings of dead crows, ravens, blue jays and raptors like eagles, hawks and owls by visiting the Region’s website at www.region.durham.on.ca or by calling the environmental help line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188.

“It’s the mosquitoes that transmit the virus and it just so happens the birds are more susceptible,” said Mr. Mattes. “We can get bitten by the same mosquitoes. It’s the same virus that affects the birds that would affect us.”

Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans are similar to other illnesses and include headaches, muscle aches, tiredness and a slight fever.

“Most people will feel no ill effects at all, it’s a very small percentage of the population that exhibit symptoms and need medical assistance,” he said.