For Immediate Release

August 29, 2006

Contact:             Vicki L. Duey, Four Corners Health Department

                            402-362-2621, toll free 877-337-3573

First Bird in Four Corners District Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

A blue jay collected by the Four Corners Health Department is the first bird from the Four Corners District (Butler, Polk, Seward and York Counties) to test positive for West Nile virus in 2007.  The bird was submitted by a resident of Gresham in York County in August.  The heat and rain of the summer leads to conditions for increased numbers of the type of mosquito that carries West Nile virus.

So far in 2007, the Four Corners District has had one confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Seward County.  The state of Nebraska has had 46 cases reported.  One death from the virus has been confirmed in Nebraska.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.  In turn, the mosquito can pass the virus to humans.  “Even though we know the human case and the bird came from specific localities, we need to be aware that West Nile virus may be more widespread in our district.  We all need to protect ourselves from mosquito bites as much as possible,” reminds Vicki Duey, Executive Director of the Four Corners Health Department.  “People should take extra precautions to protect themselves from exposure to mosquitoes.”  To fight the bite:

• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in garbage cans, gutters, ditches, wading pools, tires, plastic containers, flowerpots, or similar water-holding containers.  Change water in bird baths on a regular basis.
• Kill mosquito larvae before they are able to bite.  Add larvicides (in the form of pellets or donuts to kill mosquito larvae), which can be purchased at most hardware, farm or gardening centers, to animal drinking troughs, water gardens, ornamental fountains, ditches and ponds.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you are outside, cover up as much as possible by wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.
• Keep mosquitoes out of the house.  Ensure that window and door screens are in good repair.

Reports of all species of dead birds will be taken by the Four Corners Health Department, and certain species will continue to be submitted and tested for West Nile virus.  Species that will be collected are blue jays, crows, magpies and raptors.  To be collected for testing, dead birds must be in good condition, with no evidence of maggots, rotting or odor.

If you have questions about West Nile Virus, or to report a dead bird, call the Four Corners Health Department at 362-2621 or toll free (877) 337-3573.