|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday
September 23, 2008
Contact:
Sammy
Berg, Environmental Health Specialist, 360-786-5581 X17051
West Nile
Virus Positive Bird Found in
Thurston
County
OLYMPIA
– Routine
testing of a dead bird, collected in
Thurston
County
earlier in September, has shown it carried the
West Nile
virus. Dr. Diana Yu, Thurston County Health Officer says, “This is definite
proof that
West Nile
is in our area. To avoid exposure
from carrier mosquitoes, people can take some personal protection actions
including wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants while outside and
avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible.
People should also use an appropriate insect repellent when contact
with mosquitoes is unavoidable and limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk
when mosquitoes are more active.”
Sammy Berg of the Thurston County Health Department
says homeowners should repair and use window and door screens.
“Another good idea is to eliminate standing water near the home.
The most common type of mosquito that carries West Nile virus can grow
in very small amounts of water, so it’s a good idea to empty out bird baths
and other standing water at least once a week.
Yu says most people who become infected with
West Nile
virus will show no symptoms at all.
However, the illness may result in fever, headache, tiredness, body
aches and sometimes a rash. Although the illness can be as short as a few
days, even healthy people have been sick for several weeks. And in a small
percentage of cases, those infected become severely ill. Three
Washington
residents have been infected by the virus so far this year, apparently
acquiring the illness in eastern
Washington
.
Horses have suffered the brunt of West Nile virus
activity in
Washington
this year, with more than two dozen horses testing positive for the virus
since August 1st, all of them in
Eastern Washington
. More than a third of the infected horses died or had to be humanely
euthanized.
West Nile
virus vaccine is available to prevent horses from acquiring the illness.
Berg says horse owners should contact their veterinarian to take steps
to protect their animals.
Those
who want more information on
West Nile
virus and bird reporting can visit the Thurston County Public Health and
Social Services web site at-
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehwnv/index.html
| 