ALPENA — The District Health Department No. 4 was recently informed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that two birds carrying West Nile Virus were identified: an Osprey in Alpena County collected in September and a Blue Jay in Montmorency County collected in August, according to a Thursday news release from the Health Department.

People with this virus are infected by mosquitos and most show no signs or symptoms of the disease. In rare cases, it can cause life threatening illness, especially in very young children, the elderly, or people with a compromised immune system. About one in 150 people who are infected can develop a very serious condition called encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the release said.

The Health Department would like to remind people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, even during cooler months, to prevent the spread of diseases.

Residents who encounter a sick bird or mammal are encouraged to report these animals to the DNR by going to www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home or calling/texting (518) 336-5030.