Crow in Falmouth tests positive for West Nile virus
Maine CDC reports West Nile virus in dead crow found in Falmouth
A West Nile virus infection was confirmed in a crow that died in the town of Falmouth, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) said on Wednesday. The agency sent a notice to the town’s officials, who shared the information publicly the same day.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes that bite infected birds. While the virus can infect humans, horses, and a variety of other animals, most people who become infected do not show any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they usually surface between three and fifteen days after exposure and may include fever and flu‑like illness. In rare cases, the infection can be severe or even fatal.
The virus is sporadic in Maine, appearing most frequently during the warmer months of summer and fall when mosquito populations peak. The Maine CDC’s “Skeeter Meter,” an online tool that displays the risk of mosquito‑borne illnesses across the state, currently lists the threat level as “low.”
The Falmouth case follows a similar finding in nearby Cape Elizabeth, where a crow that was discovered dead on July 14 tested positive for West Nile virus. That town also notified local residents after confirming the diagnosis.
At the national level, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that no human cases of West Nile virus have been documented in Maine for the current year. While the presence of the virus in birds indicates ongoing transmission, it has not yet affected people in the state.
Officials urge residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito season. Simple steps such as using insect repellent, wearing long‑sleeved shirts and pants, and eliminating standing water can reduce exposure. Local health departments also continue to monitor mosquito populations and virus activity throughout the summer.
The Maine CDC will keep the public updated if additional animal cases are detected or if the risk level changes. Residents in Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth and other communities are encouraged to stay alert and report any dead birds or unusual mosquito activity to their local health authorities.
