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For Immediate Release: May 7, 2003 (03-082)
Contacts: Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077
State West Nile virus program resumes mosquito and dead bird surveillance
OLYMPIA -- State and local health departments have begun identifying mosquitoes and tracking dead birds in Washington state, looking for evidence of West Nile virus (WNV). The warmer weather of spring and summer brings on the mosquito-breeding season and with it, the threat of mosquito-borne disease, including WNV. The disease has been moving west since 1999 and was confirmed in two dead birds and in two horses in Washington last year.
"There have been no human cases of West Nile virus illness acquired in Washington so far, but we know people are concerned about the disease," said Maryanne Guichard, director of the Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety. "Dead bird surveillance is a key to tracking the West Nile virus, because finding the disease in dead birds has usually been shown to precede the first human case in a state."
Local health departments around the state coordinate the dead bird surveillance efforts in their areas, working closely with the Washington State Department of Health. Anyone who finds a dead bird is asked to report it to the local health department. West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. Mosquitoes then pass the virus to uninfected birds, humans, horses or other hosts. Crows, ravens and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the disease, making them good test samples for WNV.
In addition to dead bird surveillance, the Department of Health WNV program is also working to identify mosquito species around the state. At least one mosquito species known to become infected with WNV has been found in every county in the state.
"The risk of West Nile illness is low," Guichard added, "and there are steps we can all take to reduce that risk. The best defense against WNV is avoiding mosquito bites and making sure that there are no places for mosquitoes to breed around the home."
Turning over old buckets or cans, emptying water from old tires, and frequently changing water in birdbaths and water troughs helps to eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito species breed. People can avoid being bitten by staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk; making sure that door and window screens are in good working condition; and using a mosquito repellent containing DEET. Safe use of mosquito repellents includes following the instructions on the label.
Even after being bitten by an infected mosquito, most people won’t show any signs of illness. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms that resolve without treatment. In a small number of cases, particularly in people over age 55, West Nile virus can cause serious illness with fever and inflammation of the brain.
More information is available on the Department of Health West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV), or by calling the agency’s toll-free info line, 1-866-78VIRUS.
The Department of Health West Nile virus surveillance program is working with local health departments and other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on WNV surveillance, planning and prevention.
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Visit the Washington Department of Health Web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov for a healthy dose of information.
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