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HEALTH OFFICIALS SEEK PUBLIC’S HELP IN SPOTTING, PREVENTING WEST NILE VIRUS

Warm weather may be slow to arrive on the North Coast this year, but when it does, mosquitos will be here with it.

In preparation for their arrival, health officials in Clatsop County are monitoring for possible cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, which is spread by these insects.

To help in this effort, the public is encouraged to report recently dead corvid birds such as crows, jays and magpies, which are highly susceptible to West Nile. Reports should be made to the Clatsop County Health and Human Services Department at (503) 325-8500.

Citizens are asked not to report non-corvid birds, or birds that have been killed by trauma such as being hit by a car or killed by another animal, or birds which have been dead more than 24 hours.

West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Only about one in five people infected with the illness show any symptoms, which can include a fever above 100 degrees, rash, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, shaking and paralysis. The incubation period is from two to 14 days, and symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks. Public health officials are particularly concerned about the impact on the well-being of the elderly, the very young, and individuals who have compromised immune systems.

There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV. The best defense is to stop mosquitos from breeding and biting. Here are some ways to control them:

- Empty out water from old tires, containers, pots and anything else that holds water.

- Change water in birdbaths, ponds, pet dishes and animal troughs twice a week.

- Repair leaky outdoor faucets.

- Clean clogged roof gutters.

- Properly maintain pools and spas.

- Apply mosquito repellant when outdoors and when mosquitos are present. Effective repellants contain DEET, Picaridian and oil of eucalyptus.

For more information on West Nile Virus go online to http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/wnile/wnile.shml or call the Clatsop County Health and Human Services Department at (503) 325-8500.

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