West Nile virus was found recently been found in two dead birds in New Castle and Neshannock Township, a spokesman for the state Department of Health said. None have been found in Mercer County, but the Health Department wants residents to be aware of what the virus and how to deal with it.

"The virus comes from the bite of a mosquito," said spokesman Richard McGarvey. "It bites you with what is basically a needle, swapping blood."

"People don't get the virus from touching a dead bird, though the department never recommends touching any dead animal without gloves," he said.

McGarvey said the only occurrence of the virus last year in Western Pennsylvania was in mosquitoes trapped in Erie County.

"Only three people (in Pennsylvania) were diagnosed with it last year," McGarvey said, adding that one case was in Fayette County and two were near Philadelphia.

The virus, which was first found in the United States 1998 in New York, can be fatal to humans, but according to national statistics, of 150 people diagnosed with the virus, only one or two will need medical attention, McGarvey said.

"But for those few who will need medical attention, it can be life threatening," he said, adding that those over 65 or with weakened immune systems are most susceptible. Virus indicators can range from light flu-like symptoms such as a rash or swollen glands, to very high temperatures, stiff neck and brain swelling.

Once bitten though, people build up an immunity, and illness can't be spread person to person or by a mosquito biting an infected person, McGarvey said.

McGarvey recommended that people keep standing water out of their yards. Other protective measures include wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants and using a mosquito repellent.

"A flower pot with just an inch of water left in it for 10 days can produce 1000 mosquitos," he said, adding that tires and kiddie pools are possible bug breeding grounds.

Blue jays and crows, which are part of the raptor family, are the most susceptible to the virus, McGarvey said. The virus found in Lawrence County came from samples taken from a dead blue jay and crow, he said.

For more information, contact the state Department of Health at (877) PA HEALTH, or check www.westnile.state.pa.us