July 31, 2007

Valley County Crow Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game office in McCall has confirmed that a crow found in the McCall area on July 23rd has tested positive for the West Nile virus, the first confirmation in a bird this year in Valley County. Last year the only West Nile positive birds found in Valley County were from the area around Cascade Lake. To date there have been no reports of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in Valley County nor any reports of human infection.

"This is the first evidence of the presence of West Nile virus in Valley County this year," Says Nikki Sakata, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Control at the Central District Health Department. "It's only a matter of time until it's found in mosquitoes. We recommend that people protect themselves from the bite of infected mosquitoes."

Around the state there are now 13 counties reporting some kind of West Nile virus activity, with 11 cases of human infection. Last year West Nile virus was detected in 38 Idaho counties, infecting about 1000 humans and contributing to the deaths of 23 people.

"West Nile virus can cause serious illness," says Sakata. "So we urge people to 'Fight the Bite' and take precautions to avoid the mosquitoes that carry the virus."

West Nile virus is usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not generally spread from person-to-person or from infected animals to people. About 80 percent of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not become sick, but others may experience a mild, flu-like illness that can include headaches, body aches and a fever. Although rare, the virus can lead to serious illness, especially in people over the age of 50.

To protect themselves from mosquito bites people should:

• Insect-proof their homes by repairing or replacing screens;
• Reduce standing water on their property that provides mosquito breeding habitat, such as bird baths and decorative ponds;
• Cover up exposed skin when outdoors;
• Apply insect repellent approved by the EPA to exposed skin and clothing. Follow instructions on the product label, especially for children;
• Avoid mosquitoes when they are most active at dawn and dusk; and
• Report dead birds to your local Fish and Game office.

West Nile virus does not appear to affect most animals including dogs and cats, but can cause severe illness in horses and certain species of birds. Although there is not a vaccine available for people, there are several vaccines for horses. Approximately one-third of horses which contract West Nile virus will die, so horse owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian about vaccinating their animals. Horse owners who suspect West Nile viral infection in their animal should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Additional information about the West Nile virus is available from the Department of Health and Welfare web site or by calling the West Nile virus hotline 1-877-333-WNV1 (9681) or in the Treasure Valley 334-6500.