A dead crow found in the town of Irondequoit tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Monroe County health officials.

"Since we had a number of positive birds last year, we have anticipated finding a bird with West Nile virus this season. It serves as an important reminder to residents to be cautious until we have our first heavy frost, when most mosquitoes will die off," said Deputy Health Director Dr. Nancy M. Bennett.

Monroe County health officials have been engaged in a number of activities this season to reduce the risk of WNV, including:

•larviciding catch-basins to reduce the mosquito population in areas of Monroe County with higher concentrations of older people

•trapping and testing adult mosquitoes for WNV; none positive to date

•identifying mosquito species when in the larval stage of development

•tracking dead crows to determine if a pattern exists in Monroe County

•testing dead crows for WNV

•launching a media campaign to advise the public about personal protective measures against WNV and to drain standing water

Residents may call 234-9600 for WNV information or to report a dead crow.