HOUSTON -- A dead bird that contracted West Nile virus was found in Hermann Park, News2Houston reported Wednesday.

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"The grackle is a large bird. Some people get them mixed up with a crow. They're around by the hundreds. They're some of the birds that you hear in trees, especially in the evening that make so much noise," said Dr. Ray Parsons, with Mosquito Control.

The bird was found on May 2.

Health department officials urge Houstonians to bring insect repellant when visiting the park, since mosquitoes transmit the virus.

It's the second bird with the disease found in Harris County. The other dead bird was a mourning dove.

Some experts predict West Nile virus could be worse this year than last.

"The only thing we're a little concerned about this year here is starting over a month early in the bird population. And we'll probably start finding some positive mosquitoes," Parsons said.

He said that the dry weather could be a contributing factor. Any water sitting in storm drains serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"The water goes down in the storm sewers. There's vegetation down in there that either comes naturally or people blow it in there, which they shouldn't do. This is where it pockets and culex (mosquitoes) breed. (If) we get a heavy rain, it will actually flush out the mosquitoes temporarily," Parsons said.

West Nile virus began in the United States on the East Coast and reached Texas for the first time in 2002, causing 202 confirmed human infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blamed West Nile encephalitis for more than a dozen deaths in Texas.

Five people died from West Nile virus last year in Harris County.

To help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, residents should do the following.

• Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
• Use mosquito repellent when outdoors. Use repellent according to the label, which is less than 10 percent DEET for children.
• Eliminate standing water, old tires, cans and blocked gutters from property.
• Maintain swimming pools. Empty, invert or cover swimming pools when not in use.
• Keep birdbaths clean. Change the water at least once a week.
• To control mosquitoes inside a house, use a "flying insect spray."

There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis.

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Humans

• Flulike illness, with moderate to high fever
• Headache
• Muscle weakness or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Possible seizures
• Paralysis
• Respiratory symptoms

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Animals

• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Fever
• Weakness
• Convulsions

Anyone who finds a dead bird should drop it off at the Health Department for evaluation. Click here for the locations or call (713) 440-4800.