2 human cases of West Nile in San Bernardino County

Two people have been infected with West Nile Virus in San Bernardino County. Statewide, that number is up to 57. So far, the virus has claimed 2 lives in California this year. So far, no human infections have been reported in Riverside County.

Testing for the virus does continue. The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District reports 13 new mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus. That brings the total positive mosquito samples this year to 21. Also, 3 sentinel chickens in the eastern Coachella Valley have tested positive for West Nile virus.

All of the positive samples have come from the Eastern Coachella Valley in the Mecca and Salton Sea/North Shore areas.

The risk of serious illness to most healthy people is low. Fewer than one percent of infected people can develop a neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

To report mosquito problems, call 760-342-8287. Or, 888-343-9399. That includes mosquitoes around standing water or neglected swimming pools.