Home 
News Local News Birds test positive for West Nile virus
Birds test positive for West Nile virus
|
Two birds collected by Union County Vector Control in the Summerville and Elgin areas have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The birds are the first samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, Kelly Beehler of vector control said. Vector control has an ongoing surveillance program for West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases. Routine samples are collected from mosquito pools and dead birds, and are tested. Mosquitoes tested in close relations to where the positive birds were collected turned up negative for the virus, Beehler said.Testing will be increased throughout the county to try to identify areas that may have higher levels of West Nile. The public will be notified if any further positive tests are found, Beehler said.West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease. About one in five infected people may show signs of West Nile fever. Symptoms may include fever and severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis, or rash. Anyone who experiences symptoms should contact their health care provider. The incubation period is usually 2-14 days. Vector control and the Center for Human Development are recommending that the public continue to take steps to protect against mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding opportunities.
The following are suggestions for protection: • Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing when outside. • Make sure screen doors and windows fit tightly. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. • Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding such as clogged gutters, birdbaths and old tires. • Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most productive. • Repellant use, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, is advised. Follow label directions carefully. Never apply DEET directly to children or put it on children’s hands. Apply repellant first to your own hands and then onto the child. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age three. Contacts: Union County Vector Control: 963-2974 CHD Public Health Services: 962-8801 State of Oregon: WNV Hotline: 866-703-4636 (toll free) www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/wnile/wnile.shtml Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm |
