POUGHKEEPSIE – If any Dutchess County resident finds a dead or sick bird, it could be infected by the West Nile virus, and county officials urged those residents to report the find to the county Health Department via its hotline. That phone number is 845-486-3438.

“The reporting of dead birds by our residents helps to provide early indication of West Nile virus in our area,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Caldwell. “Infected birds are our first indicator of West Nile virus progression.”

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause inflammation of the brain, the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected bird. Humans can become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

The Health Department urges residents to remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed from around their properties and homes and protect themselves from mosquito bites by limiting outside activity in the evening and by using insect repellent.