| Dead birds that tested positive for the West Nile virus have been reported in three more counties, bringing the total to 14.
So far no dead birds with the disease have been reported regionally, as last year.
Dead birds should be reported to the local health department.
The Department of Health and Human Resources announced yesterday that the most recent counties to report the infected birds are Berkeley, Preston and Pendleton counties.
Previously, dead birds infected with the mosquito-borne disease were found in Barbour, Cabell, Greenbrier, Jefferson, Kanawha, Morgan, Ohio, Wayne, Webster, Wetzel and Wyoming counties.
The West Nile virus can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and potentially fatal swelling of the brain.
Two people died from West Nile-related causes in West Virginia last year.
No human cases have been reported in the state this year.
State officials say residents should rid their property of standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and use mosquito repellent containing DEET.
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