SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- San Luis Obispo Public Health Officials say they have found two cases of birds carrying the West Nile Virus in North County.
On August 5th a dead hawk was found in Paso Robles and on September 10th a dead turkey was found in Atascadero.
San Luis Obispo County animals services picked up the birds and sent them to UC Davis for testing.
Both came back positive for West Nile Virus.
Back in August officials also found a hawk in San Luis Obispo also infected with the virus.
This is the third confirmed case of the potentially deadly disease and has officials concerned.
"Late yesterday afternoon we were notified by the state that two birds found in our County tested positive for West Nile Virus," says San Luis Obispo County Health Epidemiologist Ann McDowell.
"West Nile Virus is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes so its important for people to understand that the best way is to protect themselves from West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquitoes."
Health officials says 80% of those infected with the virus won't show symptoms until several days after.
At which time they may start experiencing headaches, body aches and fevers.
Health officials say they have seen no human cases here in North County but statewide they have seen 126 human cases of West Nile Virus.
