COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASKS FOR HELP IN WEST NILE VIRUS SURVEILLANCE

The Clatsop County Environmental Health office is seeking the public’s help in monitoring for evidence of West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause a mild-flu-like illness, but in some cases can lead to serious neurological disease like encephalitis or meningitis. Mosquitoes are known carriers of the West Nile Virus, a virus that can be transmitted to people, birds, horses and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. People can only get the virus from the bite of an infected mosquito ? WNV doesn’t spread from sick birds or animals to people, or from person to person.

Public health officials monitor for the presence of West Nile Virus by testing certain dead birds that may have become infected through a mosquito bite. Birds of the Corvid family are most sensitive to becoming ill, and for that reason are the ones used for surveillance. Corvids include crows, ravens, blue jays, Stellar’s jays, and magpies.

Clatsop County requests your help in the monitoring for WNV by reporting dead birds that are of the Corvid family, that have recently died, and that have not obviously died from trauma such as hitting a window, being hit by a car or attacked by a predator.

West Nile Virus first appeared in Oregon in 2004. In 2009, a total of 12 humans, 16 birds, five horses and one domesticated dog were diagnosed with WNv infection. So far this year, there have been no cases of West Nile virus in humans or animals.

To report a dead bird, call Clatsop County Environmental Health at (503) 325-8500. For more information on West Nile Virus log on to www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/wnile/wnile.shtml or pick up an informational brochure at Clatsop County Public Health, 820 Exchange St., Astoria.