West Nile virus found in bird in Portland

West Nile virus has been found in another Maine community.

The virus was found recently in a bird in Portland, according to Jessica Grondin, a spokesperson for the city.

“While West Nile and other viruses carried by mosquitoes are rare, they can cause serious illness,” said Bridget Rauscher, Portland’s health officer. “It’s important for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. You can protect yourself from mosquito bites with a few easy — yet effective — steps and speak to your health care provider right away if you experience any symptoms.”

More than a dozen birds have been found infected with the virus in recent weeks, including crows in Bangor , Bar Harbor , Bridgton, Fryeburg, Parsonsfield and Sidney, as well as a hawk in Yarmouth.

Most people who contract West Nile virus never show any symptoms. Common symptoms include body aches, diarrhea, fever, headache, joint pain, rash and vomiting, while more severe cases may cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Mosquitos in Maine also spread eastern equine encephalitis virus and Jamestown Canyon virus, which has been found in mosquitoes here, including in Orono . A turkey recently tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis in Waldo County.

So far this year, there have been no confirmed cases of a person contracting one of these mosquito-borne illnesses.