Skeeters are killer

Two North State residents have died this year after contracting West Nile virus, the California Department of Public Health announced last week.

The individuals’ identities have not been disclosed, but officials said one was from Sacramento County and the other lived in Shasta County, according to California Healthline. Statewide, 35 cases of humans contracting the mosquito-borne virus have been reported this year. Last year, 15 Californians died from WNV, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Here at home, the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced late last month that several pools of mosquitoes tested positive for WNV.

For tips on reducing risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses and up-to-date information on WNV in our area, go to www.westnile.ca.gov.