Posted on 05/13/2005 2:22:41 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Dead Bird With West Nile Found In Washtenaw County State Issues Warning Of Potential Risk To Humans
POSTED: 4:31 pm EDT May 13, 2005
Michigan has reported its first West Nile infected bird of the season.
A blue jay, found in Washtenaw County, was collected earlier this month and tested positive for West Nile virus at Michigan State University's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health.
The Michigan departments of Agriculture, Community Health and Natural Resources, as well as Michigan State University, announced its findings Friday.
"Because we cannot predict the impact West Nile virus will have on Michigan again this year, it is crucial that we continue our efforts with virus surveillance, mosquito control activities, and public education," said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
"Citizens need to be aware of the potential risk of West Nile virus infection in Michigan and communities should use surveillance information to target intervention and prevention strategies in areas where West Nile virus activity has been detected," she said.
West Nile virus was first detected in birds in 2001 in Michigan. In 2002, Michigan, like other states, saw a dramatic increase in West Nile virus activity in birds, horses and humans. In 2002, Michigan had the second-highest number of West Nile virus human cases in the nation with 644 cases, 51 of which were deaths. In 2004, Michigan experienced a lighter year for the virus, with 16 reported cases and no fatalities. Last year, a total of 255 birds statewide tested positive for West Nile virus.
(Excerpt) Read more at clickondetroit.com ...
Birds die all the time - I wonder what made them find and then pick up this bird for testing?
Our blue jays have returned in force after a couple of slim years. I assume the local population has build some immunity.
Health Departments have been screening for West Nile Virus in dead birds for a few years now as the virus first hits that population.
For information about protecting yourself from West Nile, here is a link to the CDC website
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/prevention_info.htm
West Nile virus is back.
Harris County health officials said Wednesday they have found a mosquito infected with the virus in northeast Houston, near the intersection of Navasota and Rebel.
This year's first infected mosquito was found about a month earlier than last year's first appearance in mosquitoes, which happened in early June.
"It's certainly not cause for alarm, but it's an indication that residents need to start thinking about taking precautionary measures when they're outside," said Sandy Kachur, a spokeswoman for Harris County's Mosquito Control Division.
The county division has begun spraying in affected areas in response to positive tests.
Mosquitoes become infected with the virus by biting birds and can pass it on to other birds, animals and humans.
Health officials say the best precautions against West Nile include ensuring screens in windows and door are in good condition, and emptying any containers that may hold water, such as children's toys, because these offer fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
When outdoors, officials say, use an effective mosquito repellent. This year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added products that use the chemical picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus to their list of best repellents, in addition to products with the chemical DEET.
The disease may be on the decline in Texas despite its earlier appearance.
In 2002, the first year the virus appeared in Texas, statewide numbers hit 202 cases and 13 deaths.
In 2003, as it spread to previously uninfected counties, the numbers increased to 439 cases and 38 deaths. Last year, it declined to 119 cases and eight deaths.
Yet health officials cautioned that it's still too soon to know whether the downward trend will continue.
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