FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Valley abatement crews say the drought may be one factor causing the spike in West Nile virus cases.
Fresno County's Department of Health says most people who are bitten don't get very sick, but in a few cases the virus can be deadly. So far this year 39 cases have been reported in the Valley; that's up from six cases last year.
Abatement crews want to get the word out that containers carrying stagnant water or unmaintained swimming pools are a hub for the virus because they attract mosquitoes and birds.
"Because West Nile virus is a disease of birds, an uninfected mosquito could bite a bird, become infected and then that mosquito has the potential to infect other birds or humans," said Steve Mulligan with the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District.
Health experts say the best way you can protect yourself is to wear insect repellent when you're outdoors.