West Nile Virus returns

West Nile virus is back. According to the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District, a squirrel in Chico tested positive as the first case discovered in the county this year. Area residents are warned to stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and to wear long pants, long sleeves and insect repellent when outside. The virus was first detected in Butte County in 2004; since then, 104 residents have been infected, and seven have died. The district asks that potential mosquito-breeding areas—standing water—be reported at 533-6038 or 342-7350. There is no word on the squirrel’s current condition.