Caution and common sense are the buzzwords when it comes to dealing with any threat of West Nile Virus, health officials in area counties say.

"Less than one percent of all mosquitoes carry the virus, and if bitten, fewer than one percent of the people will develop symptoms," Orleans County's Public Health Director Andrew Lucyszyn said. "Certainly we know we have West Nile Virus throughout the state."

Lucyszyn said if an individual is infected, chances are they will develop flu-like symptoms rather than any other serious illness.

Orleans County is presently training its staff in pesticide management and mosquito control. They are collecting dead crows and blue jays for analysis.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are conducting public health education throughout the community," Lucyszyn said.

One dead crow has been submitted by the county to state officials for testing. The crow tested negative for the virus.

Last year, Orleans County and three birds test positive for the virus, none of the three were crows. Lucyszyn urged individuals who find dead birds to contact the health department at 589-3278 for information on how to properly dispose of the bird.

"We don't want people handling the specimens," he said. "Please call us for information and we will decide, on a case-by-case basis, if the bird should be sent in for analysis."

Monroe County's Senior Public Health Educator John Ricci said he wants people to put the threat of West Nile Virus infection into the proper context.

"We don't want people to take the threat lightly," he said. "But we don't want people to be afraid to go outdoors."

Ricci said being aware of the true risks of infection, knowing which group of people are at risk and being more aware of the importance of applying mosquito repellent when going outside are the proper approaches.

"Personal protection is the most important approach to combating insect bites of any kind, not just mosquitoes," he said.

Health Department officials in Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties indicated their counties would not be spraying for mosquitoes.

"Spraying, for our county, would be a last resort," Ricci said. "We would only spray if there was a significant threat of human illness. There are numerous things we would do long before we considered spraying."

The effectiveness of spraying is minimal and the threat of human illness from the pesticides would not outweigh the benefits, he said.

"At the end of the day, the way a person protects him or herself is the most important," Ricci said.

In addition to personal protection, it is important to reduce breeding habitats for mosquitoes and their larvae.

"Many people hear the message incorrectly," he said, when it comes to West Nile Virus cases. "There is a big difference between finding an infected bird and finding a human case."

There have been no humans infected with the virus in this area, he said.

Monroe County has submitted some birds for testing this year. There have been no positive results. Last year 11 of the birds submitted came back as testing positive for carrying the virus.

Crows and blue jays appear to be the most susceptible to the disease, Ricci said. Individuals who find dead crows in Monroe County are asked to call 234-9600 for information on what to do with the bird.

Genesee County officials have had no birds submitted for testing yet this year. They had two positive birds last year, Tom Guerin, Director of Environmental Health, said.

"We have not had a high incidence of bird reports," he said. "Last year, no reports came in until later in the season."

Genesee County utilizes mosquito traps to monitor the likelihood of virus making its way to the area. Certain species of mosquitoes are more likely to carry the virus.

Citizens should follow the guidelines set forth for clearing homes of standing water and utilizing personal protection against mosquito bites.

New York state has committed $1 million in grants to support West Nile Virus prevention and surveillance throughout the state. The money can be used to initiate surveillance and education initiatives and in helping counties prevent the virus. Studies show that early, repeated and effective prevention are crucial to reducing human risk from West Nile Virus.

What is West Nile Virus?

According to the New York State Health Department, West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause encephalitis.

Encephalitis is a viral infection that, in mild cases, includes a slight fever and/or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of fever with head and body aches. Symptoms occur from 5-15 days of exposure. There is no specific treatment other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care.

Those most susceptible to infection are infants, the elderly and those persons with damaged immune systems.

In the fall of 1999, New York state experienced an outbreak of West Nile Virus in the New York City area. Sixty-two people, including seven deaths, were reported. Birds infected with West Nile Virus are not considered to be a source of illness for humans.

How to avoid West Nile Virus exposure

The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites. While it may not be possible to avoid all bites, the best way to minimize exposure is to:

•Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeve shirts when outside for long periods of time.

•Consider using mosquito repellent, according to the label directions when it is necessary to be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. They are most active between dusk and dawn when the air is calm.

Control mosquitoes in and around your home by:

•Disposing of tin cans, plastic containers or any similar water-holding containers as this is where mosquitoes breed.

•Remove all discarded tires. Used tires have become the most common mosquito-breeding site in the country.

•Remove all leaf debris.

•Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters.

•Change the water in birdbaths; drain water from unused children's swimming pools.

•Use landscaping to eliminate standing water.

For more information on West Nile Virus check out the Monroe County website at: www.co.monroe.ny.us Click on health and the West Nile Virus.