California saw record number of West Nile virus deaths in 2014

California recorded a record number of deaths from West Nile virus in 2014.

The state's department of health says there were more than 800 cases of the virus last year and 31 infected people died.

Officials say the drought may be a contributing factor in the increased activity. They say birds and mosquitoes are coming into closer contact around a smaller number of watering holes.

Santa Clara County had the highest number of cases in the Bay Area.