Is the West Nile Virus Killing Bald Eagles?

The West Nile Virus has been blamed for the death of many bald eagles in Utah, according to wildlife officials.

They note that 27 bald eagles have died as of Dec. 1 and six are currently receiving treatment at a wildlife facility, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said that laboratory tests revealed that the cause of death is most likely related to the West Nile Virus, which the eagles may have contracted from grebes they ate-a type of dying bird that may have already been infected with the virus.

"This is really concerning to us," Leslie MacFarlane, a coordinator of the wildlife disease program said, via The Washington Post. He adds that these deaths are "very unusual."

As researchers had been perplexed by what was killing the birds-looking at how far the birds were all found very far from each other and their strange symptoms-they noticed that most of the creatures seemed to be suffering from the same problems. As eagles in Utah usually die from a broken neck or wing when being hit by a car or when flying into a power line or fence, officials noticed that the creature's legs were so weak that they were unable to stand.

Fortunately, at this time, the infected birds are not believed to be dangerous to humans, according to the news organization. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most people who become infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, 1 in 5 people will develop a fever, body aches, a headache, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Fortunately, the organization notes that most with this type of the virus recover completely, but may be fatigued for a period of several months. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurological illness.