BIRD TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS            JUNE 29, 2009

A bird found in Hancock County has tested positve for the West Nile Virus.  The specimen was collected from Weirton Heights.  This is the first bird specimen that has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Hancock County since June of 2008.  The starling was the third specimen that was submitted to the WV Hygienic Lab from Hancock County during 2009.

West Nile Virus is a potentially dangerous viral disease spread by mosquitoes.  Older individuals are most at risk.  Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and confusion.  The virus is rarely fatal, but in severe cases seizures, coma, or even long-term impairment may result.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in anything that contains standing water.  Somethiing as small as a bottle cap, with water in it is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.  It is, therefore, important for individuals to do their part to get rid of these breeding sites to help protect themselves and their families against mosquitoes.

This is accomplished by inspecting and removing anything from the area that has the potential to hold water, regardless of how much.  For those items that are part of the landscape such as bird baths, pet bowls and other water retaining decorations, ensure that the water is changed frequently.

When individuals are outdoors during the mosquito season, they should be properly clothed in long, loose and light-colored clothing and use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of eucalyptus or IR3535 which are effective; follow package directions carefully when applying these products.  Apply the products sparingly to children and wash them with soap and water when  they come indoors.  Avoid application to the hands and face of young children.

It is critically important for the general public to notify the Hancock County Health Department at 304-564-3343 immediately of any sick or dead birds they see and where they are located.  Dead birds can only be sent for testing to the WV Hygienic Lab if they have been dead for less than 24 hours and do not show any signs of decay.  Bird carcasses that are soft or mushy, have an obvious odor, skin discoloration, feathers or skin that rubs off easily, or have ants or maggots are too decomposed for testing.  If a resident finds a dead bird in the evening or on the weekend when the Hancock County Health Department is closed, he should make every effort to protect the bird from insect infestation by placing it in a plastic bag and keep it cold in a cooler with ice or in an extra refrigerator until the Hancock County Health Department Sanitarians can be reached.  I recommend that people wear gloves or place their hands in a plastic bag if they chose to handle the bird themselves.  For further information, contact the Hancock County Health Department at 304-564-3343.