Three dead birds tested positive for West Nile virus in East Contra Costa, bringing to 44 the total number of birds countywide found to have the virus.

One bird was found in Brentwood at Sellers Avenue and Sunset Road, while two birds were found in Oakley — one at Robinwood Avenue and Quail Valley Road, and another at Gamay Circle and Alder Drive.

A squirrel was also found with the virus in Concord at Treat Boulevard and Cowell Road. Throughout the county, 17 groups of mosquitoes, 10 sentinel chickens, one horse and now two squirrels have tested positive for the virus, according to a Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector District news release.

Four people in the county have contracted the virus, and two have died statewide.

The animals were found after people reported finding the animals to the district's dead-bird hotline. To report dead birds, people can call 877-968-2473.

Jonathan Lockett covers East County. Reach him at 925-779-7174.