West Nile virus found in dead crow in Newark area

Delaware officials say a dead crow found in the Newark area has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the first reported case of the disease in the state this year.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says the finding is not a cause for alarm because the mosquito-borne disease has been found in the state every year since 2001.
But officials are warning residents to reduce their risk of mosquito infections by avoiding mosquito-infested areas, wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.

The natural resources department is increasing mosquito surveillance and monitoring activities in the Newark area.

Peak activity for the virus in the mid-Atlantic region typically occurs from the first week in August through mid-October.