SAUK COUNTY CROW IS THE FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS POSITIVE
BIRD IN WISCONSIN FOR 2004
CONTACT:
Herb Bostrom
(608)-266-9376
Jim Malone
(608) 266-1683
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(MADISON, June 9, 2004) – The Department of Health and Family
Services today announced that a dead crow found in Sauk County on May 11th
has been confirmed as the first bird to test positive for West Nile virus
in Wisconsin this year.
Herb Bostrom, Director of the Department’s Bureau of Communicable
Diseases and Preparedness, said that Wisconsin has been conducting dead
bird surveillance of crows, blue jays and ravens since May 1st as part of
a plan to monitor the spread of West Nile virus in the state. Testing
birds is a way to monitor West Nile virus activity so authorities can
alert people of the need to take precautions to protect themselves.
"So far in this mosquito season, no humans have been reported with
West Nile virus in Wisconsin," Bostrom said. "People can
minimize the risk of becoming infected by taking personal protective
measures to avoid mosquito bites. We also recommend reducing mosquito
breeding habitat."
In nature, the West Nile virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes.
"Very few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, even in areas where
the virus has been found," said Bostrom. While the presence of the
virus in birds indicates the risk for humans to become infected does
exist, the risk of developing life-threatening illness as a result of
infection is low. Fewer than 1 percent of the people bitten by a mosquito
infected with West Nile virus will become seriously ill, he noted.
"Finding a West Nile-positive bird provides an opportunity to
remind everyone of the things they can do to protect themselves and
minimize exposure to mosquitoes that can carry the virus," Bostrom
said.
In 2003, Wisconsin identified its first WNV positive birds in July, and
it first probably human case in August. Last year, 17 human cases of West
Nile virus infection were reported in Wisconsin, compared to 52 reported
cases in 2002.
To minimize exposure to mosquitoes that may carry the virus, the
Department’s Division of Public Health recommends the following:
- Maintain window and door screens in good repair to decrease indoor
contact with mosquitoes.
- Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity,
specifically around dawn and dusk.
- Wear light colored protective clothing such as long pants,
loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants in socks when
outdoors.
- When outdoors, consider using an effective mosquito repellant
containing the active ingredient DEET (Be sure to follow manufacturers
instructions).
- Do not provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes—remove containers,
old tires and any object where water can collect and mosquitoes can
lay eggs.
Surveillance for West Nile virus will continue in Wisconsin until the
end of the mosquito season (usually November). To report a sick or dead
crow, blue jay, or raven, call the West Nile Virus Hotline at
1-800-433-1610.
More information about West Nile virus is available on the Internet at:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dph_bcd/westnilevirus/
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Last Revised: December 19, 2007 |
