Your pets can be infected with West Nile virus: What to watch for

This is a warning that many do not want to hear, but the Fresno County Health Department tells you to know it.

West Nile virus is spreading and residents of Fresno County must take precautions, especially since a person in the Central Valley has died of the virus.

RELATED: First West Nile Virus Death in Fresno County This Year

Dorothiea Andrews wonders if her uncle, Daryle Johnson, 50, is really two people.

She says that he contracted the deadly disease last September while he was in Clovis.

"He was staying in Sunnyside and Gibson and he was camping with my boys, the next day they all had mosquito bites and it took about a week to start showing symptoms, they did three spinal taps and found out that he was positive for West Nile Virus, "she said.

So far, there are 26 cases of West Nile virus in Fresno County.

RELATED: What a woman from northeastern Fresno goes through after suffering from West Nile virus

According to health experts, many of those infected have had symptoms similar to those of the flu.

And while most people get it, Jessica Loweth, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, PetVETS, says animals can do it too.

She tells us that the warning signs for pet owners are lack of coordination, stumbling, muscle weakness, tremors or even convulsions.

"So, if you see something that looks unnatural, bring your pets," she says.

Fast action that can give better results for humans and pets.