West Nile virus season is once again upon us.

The county’s first bird to be found dead this season of the virus — a crow — was found Feb. 24 in Irvine.

“We’ve seen it further south, but not this early in the year,” said Michael Hearst, spokesman for the Orange County Vector Control District – although dead birds farther north have been found this early in past years, and even earlier. “It could be we’ll be seeing a more southerly distribution this year than last.”

Other than ringing in West Nile season, however, the find is not particularly significant; the virus, which kills many wild birds but often goes unnoticed in humans, has been prevalent in Orange County since 2004.

It becomes active in late winter, spring and summer, as the weather warms. Wild birds act as a reservoir for the virus, which is transmitted among them — and to people — by mosquitoes.

Most people experience no symptoms, some mild, flu-like symptoms. A small number, especially the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, can suffer more serious symptoms, or even die from the virus.

Last year, there were 71 cases of people sickened by West Nile in Orange County, with three deaths — one of Orange County’s worst years.

“This current year could still be eventful, but less than 2008,” said Vector Control laboratory director Robert Cummings.

One good sign: Vector Control, which tracks animal diseases that can jump to humans, is finding more West Nile antibodies in the blood of wild birds.

“It means there’s some immunity out there in the bird population,” Hearst said.

Hearst reminds Orange County residents to take precautions: empty any standing water, such as vessels filled by rains, to discourage mosquito breeding; make sure window screens are in good repair; use insect repellant.

Crow: AP file photo.

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