State Health officials continue to encourage New Yorkers to continue to report dead birds, particularly crows, to their local health departments or via a toll free number (1-866-537-BIRD). Tracking the numbers of dead crows will help measure the potential human health risk from the West Nile Virus. Also critical are continued efforts to remove areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Research indicates that during late July, August and September the risk of human illness from West Nile Virus increases. This is because the virus must amplify through a cycle of infection that includes mosquitoes, birds and small mammals before it reaches a level that poses a human health threat. By continuing to clean up standing water where mosquitoes breed, and remaining vigilant about these prevention strategies throughout the summer, individuals can dramatically reduce the human health threat. Man-made collections of stagnant water such as unchlorinated swimming pools, dirty bird baths, discarded tin cans, old tires and similar items in which water can accumulate all must be addressed.

To keep mosquitoes from getting inside the home, persons should make sure that all their doors and windows have screens and that the screens are in good repair.

Individuals age 50 or older are at the highest risk of serious illness or death from West Nile Virus. One in 150 people who are infected will become seriously ill; others will have mild "flu-like" symptoms or none at all. There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. If the disease progresses into encephalitis, hospitalization and supportive treatment will be necessary.