|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 27th,
2005
| Contact: |
Dr.
Diana Yu,
Thurston
County
Health Officer, 360-786-5581 X-16951# |
|
Darrell Cochran, Senior Environmental Health Specialist, 360-754-3355 x 7524 |
Thurston
County
Resumes
West Nile
Virus Bird Monitoring
OLYMPIA
– The
return of warmer weather marks the start of mosquito season, 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.
While there have not been any cases of humans contracting the illness
in
Washington
, there are a couple of instances where horses and birds have been affected.
Dozens of suspected dead birds were
collected from
Thurston
County
in 2004 but tests showed none of the birds were infected.
A similar testing program for crows and jays is underway this year and
two birds have already been sent to a lab in
Wisconsin
for testing. Darrell Cochran of the Thurston County Health Department says
county residents can help with bird monitoring efforts.
“If
you see a dead bird, please leave that information on our Dead Bird Reporting
line at (360) 754-3355 ext. 6659. When
reporting let us know the location where the bird was found, the species of
the bird, and the number of the birds observed.
Also leave your name and a telephone number if we need to obtain
additional information from you.” The
species most indicative of virus activity are crows, ravens and jays.
Horse owners should also be sure that their
animals have been vaccinated against the illness.
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 should contact their veterinarian for guidance.
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 when contact
with mosquitoes is unavoidable. (Be careful to follow label directions.)
§
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 through activities such as 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.
Thurston County Health Officer Diana
Yu says it is really up to individuals to protect themselves and their
families. “This is not a
situation where government can step in and protect everyone.
If folks protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce mosquito
habitat around the home, they stand a good chance of avoiding West Nile Virus.
Those who want more information on
West Nile
virus and bird reporting can visit the county website- Thurston County Public
Health and Social Services http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/wnv/westnilevirus.html
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