MODESTO BEE
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Last Updated: June 27, 2006, 06:36:41 AM PDT

Two dead birds tested positive for the West Nile virus, further evidence of the disease's presence in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. The infected birds were found in Turlock and the Tracy area, officials said Monday. The mosquitoborne virus was known to infect 156 people in Stanislaus, Merced and San Joaquin counties last year, resulting in two deaths. It emerged again two weeks ago when mosquitoes tested positive near Hilmar in northern Merced County, followed last week by a report of an infected mosquito near Grayson.

— Ken Carlson

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