CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – New Hampshire public health officials say they have found the first signs of West Nile virus in the state this season. Two birds tested positive for the virus in Nashua. Last year, 46 birds and a mosquito pool tested positive for the virus.

Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said West Nile virus often is less severe than Eastern equine encephalitis, but still can be serious, particularly for the young, the old and those with compromised immune systems.

The state says the discovery is not a surprise. The disease has been found in the state for the last five years.