West Nile Virus is active in Shasta County, according to Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District. Two mosquito samples gathered in Northern Anderson and Central Redding have recently tested positive for the virus, indicating an increased risk to humans. No human cases have been reported this year in Shasta County. Statewide there have been 10 human cases so far this year. About 80 percent of the time infected people experience no symptoms at all, but for one if five cases it can be a potentially deadly attack on the central nervous system. It’s carried most commonly in birds such as crows, jays, and magpies. 67 infected birds have been found statewide and 7 sentinel chickens. Humans get infected by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds. West Nile cannot be transmitted between humans. It’s fatal for about 1 in 3 infected horses,the only species for which there is a vaccine. The best way to fight West Nile is by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Significant mosquito problems can be reported at shastamosquito.org. Dead birds should be reported to 1-877-WNV-BIRD or westnile.ca.gov.