A horse died in California of West Nile virus complications. This is the first known equine victim of the mosquito-borne disease in California this year, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. CDFA recommended that horse owners should keep their animal vaccinations current.

Last year, California had 28 equine West Nile cases.

There were already confirmed eight human cases in five states, namely in Arizona, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention informed. Also, there have been reported animal cases in nine states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

The season normally begins in April and lasts until September, but due to warm weather this year, the first cases of the West Nile virus have been reported as early as March 19. The areas that favor mosquito population growth are standing waters, including swimming pools left abandoned. One way of counteracting the rapid spread of these mosquitoes is by inserting mosquito-fish populations into the water (which feed on mosquito larva).

People can support authorities in their fight against mosquitoes by tracing any possible source of infection and by reporting dead corvid birds such as crows, magpies, ravens, jays or raptors. These birds usually die after being infected with West Nile virus. That’s why they can be warning signs that mosquitoes in the area could be carrying the virus. Horses can also be carriers of the virus.

People should keep away not only from mosquitoes, but also from infected animals. The infection starts with one bite from an infected mosquito; for some people this could show no symptoms, while for others could manifest through fever, headache, chills, weakness and drowsiness. The most severe cases lead to meningitis or encephalitis, including low levels of consciousness and fatigue.