West Nile virus hits Western New York

A dead crow found last week on Utica Street in Brockport has been sent by the Monroe County Health Department to a special Department of Environmental Conservation laboratory near Albany to be tested for West Nile virus.

If the tests are positive for the mosquito-borne infection, one which can cause serious illness, it will bring the number of confirmed incidents of West Nile virus statewide to 127.

In Albion two weeks ago, two crows, one dead, one ill, were found on Rt. 31 east of Eagle Harbor. Orleans County Public Health Director Andrew Lucyszyn said both birds tested positive. It is the first known incidence of West Nile virus in Orleans County since the outbreak began in 1999.

In Monroe County so far this year, just two birds tested positive - the first in Perinton in June and the second in Webster in early July.

West Nile virus has been found in 34 states and the District of Columbia since it was first detected in the United States in 1999. Two infected crows were found on the White House lawn last week, and in Louisiana last weekend an outbreak of West Nile virus infected 58 Louisiana residents. Four of those died, the first deaths attributed to the virus this year, bringing the total number of deaths to 22 since 1999.

Mosquitoes spread the virus from infected birds to humans, who can then develop deadly encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Most people develop only flu-like symptoms and some don’t get sick at all. Humans do not pass the virus to one another.

The virus is named after the West Nile district of Uganda where it was first discovered in 1937. Since then, cases have been reported in Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia and the Pacific Islands and North America.

In the United States, the virus was unknown until the 1999 summer outbreak in New York City where 62 people were known to be infected, seven of those died. In 2001, two New Yorkers died from the virus. Both victims lived on Long Island.

According to Dr. Andrew Doniger, Monroe County health director, "The next six weeks are typically the riskiest period for human exposure and a time when we ask the public, particularly older residents, to take steps to reduce mosquito bites." The health department recommendations include:

•Minimize outdoor activity between dusk and dawn

•Wear long-sleeved shirts, socks and pants to cover exposed skin

•Use insect repellent containing DEET; be certain to follow manufacturer’s instructions and wash off once inside for the evening

•Drain standing water on property to reduce breeding area

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim only less than 1 percent of mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus. If bitten by an infected mosquito, less than 1 percent of people become seriously ill. They warn people over the age of 50 and those with chronic illness who are at highest risk for West Nile virus to be especially cautious.

Mild cases of West Nile infection may include a slight fever and/or headache. More severe infections are marked by high fever, headache, confusion, muscle aches and weakness, seizures and paralysis. At its most severe, the infection can result in coma, permanent brain damage and death. Symptoms usually occur five to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment of viral infections other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care.

Monroe County health officials request residents report all dead crows. "Crows, more so than other bird species, appear to be the most susceptible to West Nile virus and therefore serve as an early warning sign about the level of virus circulating in our community," said Doniger. Levels in Monroe and Orleans counties are low.

A "report-line" has been set up to receive information 24 hours a day. Crows are the only species that should be reported at this time. The number to call is 234-9600. One may also call local police.

Control mosquitoes in and around your home

Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. To reduce the mosquito population in and around your home, reduce or eliminate standing water:

•Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

•Remove all discarded tires on the property. Used tires have become the common mosquito breeding site

•Remove all leaf debris

•Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are kept outdoors

•Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall

•Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use

•Change the water in bird baths

•Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds

•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs

•Drain water from pool covers

•Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property