THE WEST NILE VIRUS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS THE CAUSE OF 2 DEATHS AROUND THE STATE. THE VIRUS, WHICH IS SPREAD BY MOSQUITOES, IS KNOWN TO HAVE SPREAD TO 36 COUNTIES, INCLUDING SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, WHERE A DEAD BIRD TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE VIRUS ON RODEO GULCH ROAD NEAR SOQUEL DRIVE. AUTHORITIES ARE URGING RESIDENTS TO ELIMINATE ALL MOSQUITO HABITATS, PARTICULARILY STAGNANT OR STANDING WATER. PEOPLE IN MOSQUITO PRONE AREAS ARE ENCOURAGED USE A REPELLENT, SUCH AS DEET. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REPORT DEAD BIRDS OR SQUIRRELS VISIT: WEST NILE DOT CA DOT GOV
