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For immediate release: November 19, 2004 (04-134)
Contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Dead bird surveillance for West Nile virus coming to an end for
2004
OLYMPIA ¾ Colder weather has arrived and mosquito activity has declined in Washington. The Washington State Department of Health West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance project is suspending lab tests of dead birds and will resume testing of some dead birds in the spring of 2005 when warmer weather increases mosquito activity.
"Dead bird monitoring is very important work," said Maryanne Guichard, director of Environmental Health and Safety. "It provided the first indication that West Nile virus had arrived in our state in 2002, and helps us quickly inform the public and respond early to reduce cases of illness."
Washington is the only state in the continental United States that did not detect WNV activity in 2004. During the 2004 mosquito season, the virus moved into previously unaffected areas of the west including California, Oregon and Idaho. More than 2,200 human cases were reported in the United States between January and November 2004; one case was reported in a Washington traveler who contracted the virus while visiting Colorado.
Local and state health departments and mosquito control districts in conjunction with laboratories monitor for WNV in birds, horses, sentinel chickens and mosquitoes. During 2004, 551 dead birds, 53 horses and 392 samples from sentinel chicken flocks were tested; none of them were infected. Mosquitoes trapped for identification were grouped into pools for WNV testing. About 829 mosquito pools were tested; none of the mosquitoes were infected.
West Nile virus is spread to birds, horses and humans by infected mosquitoes. Most people that are bitten by an infected mosquito do not show signs of illness; however, WNV can occasionally cause severe illness. The most severe illnesses include high fever and inflammation of the brain. The risk of serious illness and death from infection is highest in people over age 50.
People have some control over personal exposure to mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. An important precaution is eliminating potential mosquito breeding habitat around the home, such as containers that may catch and hold water. Emptying or removing such containers is essential even in winter, because mosquito larvae may survive the cold winter months and hatch in the spring. Guichard adds personal protective measures include wearing long sleeves and full-length pants in the outdoors when mosquitoes are active and using bug repellants that include DEET.
More information on West Nile virus (http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html) is available on the Department of Health Web site or on the Department of Health toll-free phone line, 1-866-78VIRUS.
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