State health officials have found the West Nile virus in a dead blue jay from Lewiston, one of four cases found statewide so far this summer.

This is the second time within a year that a dead bird found in Lewiston has tested positive for the virus. A crow found along College Street last September was one of 71 reported cases of the virus in the state in 2002.

But state Bureau of Health Director Dora Mills said that doesn’t mean Lewiston has a problem with West Nile virus.

“This is a state problem, not a Lewiston problem,” Mills said. “Just because a bird is found in Lewiston doesn’t mean that people from Auburn are safe. The risk for West Nile Virus is statewide.”

The virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It’s been found in 44 states, and 4,156 people have been infected nationwide. Mills said no people in Maine have tested positive for the virus, however.

The state began monitoring the spread of the virus in December 2000 by testing dead crows, jays and ravens. People who find dead birds are urged to report them to the state’s toll-free tracking line, (888) 697-5846.

“We’ve had 400 cases of dead crows, ravens and jays this summer,” she said. “We’ve done quite a lot of testing to find the cases we have found.”

Testing has turned up four cases in Maine so far this summer. In addition to the blue jay from Lewiston, a dead blue jay from Stonington was found to be infected with the virus. Dead crows from Brunswick and York were also found to have the virus.

“We have found that most of the positive cases in a crescent through the state, mostly where most of the people in Maine live,” she said. “We think that’s because there are more people to find the dead birds. You’re more likely to find a dead bird that’s in your back yard.”

Testing turned up 71 cases of the virus in 2002. By this time last year, the state had found seven cases in Maine.

State health officials recommend using insect repellent with DEET, covering up when outdoors and repairing screens at home to keep the bugs out. Staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active can also reduce risk. They also suggest eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed by cleaning gutters, turning over wheelbarrows and other containers, and disposing of old tires.

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