|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April
25, 2006
| Contact: |
Dr.
Diana Yu,
Thurston
County
Health Officer, 360-786-5581 X-16951# |
|
Dr. Bob Gilpin,
Thurston
County
Veterinarian Coordinator, 360-943-1566 |
|
Darrell Cochran, Senior Environmental Health Specialist, 360-754-3355 x 7524 |
Residents
Urged to Take
West Nile
Virus Precautions
OLYMPIA
Springtime
means mosquito season has returned, which could also mean the arrival of West
Nile virus in
Washington
State
. Mosquitoes are carriers of the
infection and can transfer it to some birds, humans and horses.
Thurston
County
residents are urged to take some simple steps to protect themselves and their
horses.
Horse owners can obtain shots to keep their animals
from getting the infection. Thurston
County Veterinarian Coordinator Dr. Bob Gilpin says, If
an animal is being inoculated for the first time, a series of two shots, three
to six weeks apart is needed. If the horse was previously vaccinated a booster
shot is necessary. Horse owners
can get more information and the shots by contacting their private
veterinarian.
About 75 suspected dead birds were
collected in
Thurston
County
last year and were sent off for testing. None
tested positive for
West Nile
virus. A similar testing program
for crows and jays is getting this spring.
People should also take some precautions to avoid
contracting
West Nile
virus. Steps include-
§
Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants while
outside.
§
Avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present.
§
Using a DEET based insect repellent, according to
the package instructions, when contact with mosquitoes is unavoidable.
§
Limiting outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when
mosquitoes are more active.
§
Repairing and using window and door screens.
Homeowners can also take steps to
reduce mosquito habitat around the home by cleaning standing water out of
their rain gutters, removing used tires or open containers outside where water
collects in them and by cleaning out bird baths once a week.
Those who want more information on
West Nile
virus can visit these websites-
§
Thurston
County
Public Health and Social
Services
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/wnv/westnilevirus.html
§
Washington State Department of Health
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/wnv/westnilevirus.html
§
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/
| 