06/17/2006

News in brief

Otsego raven tests positive for West Nile

FROM STAFF REPORTS

JOHANNESBURG — A dead raven found in Otsego County tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials said.

The Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency announced Friday the dead bird was found in the Little and Big Bear lakes area in Johannesburg. It's the state's second confirmed case of West Nile Virus this year, with the first reported last week in Muskegon County.

Officials ask the public to immediately report any dead ravens, crows or blue jays to the state health department at www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus, or by calling (231) 347-6014.

The CDC says only 20 percent of infected people ever show symptoms of the virus.