[Archived] More West Nile Virus Positive Crows Found In Alexandria

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For More Information Contact:
July 30, 2002 Bob Custard (703) 838-4400, Ext.254

MORE WEST NILE VIRUS POSITIVE CROWS FOUND IN ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria, Va.)-Dr. Charles Konigsberg, Health Director for the City of Alexandria, announced today that fifteen more dead crows found in Alexandria over the last three weeks have been confirmed to have died of West Nile virus. This brings to seventeen the total number of positive birds found in Alexandria this year. All fifteen of the newly reported positive birds were collected by animal control officers between July 7 and July 17. The dead birds were found in all parts of the City including Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Braddock Heights, Beverly Hills, South Pickett Street, West Braddock Road, and Seminary Road.

“People need to pay special attention to eliminating mosquito breeding areas around their homes by emptying containers of water like bird baths and wading pools weekly and by eliminating places where standing water can collect like buckets, toys, clogged gutters, and old tires. Most of the mosquitoes capable of spreading West Nile virus to humans can breed in as little as a tablespoon of standing water,” Joe Fiander, a Senior Environmental Health Specialist for the City of Alexandria said.

Other Northern Virginia jurisdictions including Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties have also reported large numbers of crows positive for West Nile virus this year. However, more significantly, in the last week, mosquitoes collected at Fort Myer, the Pentagon, in Falls Church, and in the Groveton area of Fairfax County have all been reported as testing positive for the virus. To date none of the mosquitoes from the seven mosquito trapping sites in Alexandria have tested positive.

“With the confirmation of positive mosquitoes in adjacent jurisdictions, we are now treating West Nile virus as a disease that is endemic in the local bird population", said Bob Custard, chief of the Alexandria Health Department's Environmental Health Division. "Our environmental health staff is increasing its efforts to educate the public about mosquito control through public service announcements, a direct mail piece to all Alexandria households, and through public presentations. We are also continuing to apply larvicide to storm drains, flat roofs, and stormwater catch basins throughout the City", he said.

"West Nile virus is definitely here," said Dr. Charles Konigsberg, Health Director for the City of Alexandria. "Persons who spend time outdoors should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long, loose fitting clothing and by using insect repellent," he added.

West Nile virus is spread to birds, humans, horses and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick. People who do get sick usually suffer a mild flu-like illness. People over age 50 are at greatest risk of serious illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

The Virginia Department of Health recommends the following tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

� Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
� Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for
children. Follow instructions when using insect repellents.
� Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays,
buckets and toys.
� Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
� Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
� Clean roof gutters and downspout screens regularly.

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