For immediate release: May 31, 2005 (05-064)

Contacts:
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

Environmental monitoring for West Nile virus resumes around the state
West Nile virus infection was found in birds, horses and humans in neighboring states last year

OLYMPIA -  Last summer West Nile virus (WNV) made its way into Oregon and Idaho; however, there was no sign of it in Washington. Now that we are starting a new mosquito season, the search for the disease in Washington is on again. Monitoring dead birds and mosquito populations are important ways of identifying the arrival and presence of the virus. The Washington State Department of Health is working with local health departments as this monitoring resumes around the state.

“We will be monitoring intensively for the virus again this season,” said Maryanne Guichard, director of the Department of Health’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety. “Our monitoring program has started for the 2005 West Nile virus season and we are testing dead birds because they are usually affected by the disease before human cases occur.”

West Nile virus has spread across the country from New York where it was first detected in 1999 and, though it was not found in our state last year, it was confirmed in four dead birds and in two horses in Washington in 2002. No human cases have been acquired in our state.

West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds, and then pass the virus to uninfected birds, humans, horses or other hosts. Crows, ravens, magpies and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the virus.

Local health departments coordinate the dead bird monitoring efforts in their areas, working closely with the state Department of Health. Anyone who finds a dead bird that isn’t decomposed should report it to their local health department. Local health officials may want to have some dead birds submitted for laboratory testing. People should use caution, and avoid handling dead birds with bare hands. Gloves or shovels should be used to place the carcass inside two plastic bags. Keep the carcass in a cool place while the local health department is notified.

In addition to monitoring dead birds, local and state health officials are also working to identify mosquito species around the state and test some of them for the virus. At least one mosquito species that can be infected with WNV has been found in every county in the state.

“The best defense is to avoid mosquito bites,” Guichard added. “There are simple steps we can all take to reduce the risk, including using repellents or wearing long pants and sleeves and eliminating standing water that mosquitoes may use for breeding habitat around the home.”

Turning over old buckets or cans, emptying water from old tires, and frequently changing water in birdbaths, pet dishes and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito species breed. People can avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; making sure that door and window screens are in good working condition; and using a mosquito repellent when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes are active. Always follow label instructions when using mosquito repellents.

Even after being bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito, most people won’t show any signs of illness. Some people may develop mild flu-like symptoms that go away without treatment. In a small number of cases the virus can cause serious illness including fever and inflammation of the brain. People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness.

The Department of Health West Nile virus information line 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and the agency’s West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn more.

The Department of Health is working with local health departments and other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on West Nile virus monitoring, planning, control and prevention.
 

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