Mosquito Season Approaches: Help Monitor WNV

West Nile Virus

As West Nile virus season approaches the Deschutes County area this summer, citizens can help the County's Health Department by looking for single, dead birds.

West Nile virus (WNv) first appeared in Oregon in 2004. The County's first human, bird and horse cases of the virus were all diagnosed in August of that year.

In 2006, a total of 73 people, 25 birds, and 35 horses and over 1,000 mosquitoes tested positive for WNv infection in Oregon. Of the 73 people infected with WNv:

* A total of 13 (18%) people were diagnosed with WNv encephalitis/meningitis.

* One person died of complication related to WNv.

* Human and animal infections were reported in September and October, later than in previous years.

Last year, Deschutes County had one human, and one bird test positive for WNV (out of six birds that were tested).

The Culex tarsalis mosquito is the type of mosquito that is most likely to carry the West Nile virus. The mosquito is found throughout Northern and Southern Deschutes County with the highest concentration being in the Southern region of the County.

As mosquito season approaches the region, the Deschutes County Health Department is increasing surveillance activities of the insect. Citizens can help the Department monitor WNv by reporting dead birds and horses they find at work or at home, see details below.

If residents find a single dead or ill bird: Birds are a natural host for West Nile virus; in Oregon particularly crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and sage grouse. A large or continuous die-off of birds may be a local indicator of WNV activity. If the bird looks like it has been down for less than 24 hours, and has no signs of injury, call the Deschutes County Health Department disease reporting line at 322-7418.

If you suspect you have a horse with WNv infection: Call your local veterinarian. Veterinarians are required to report horses with the appropriate clinical signs
source:www.emaxhealth.com