[Archived] West Nile Virus Positive Crow is Found

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
July 25, 2003
PIO 124-03

WEST NILE VIRUS POSITIVE CROW FOUND IN ALEXANDRIA

The Virginia state laboratory has confirmed that a crow found July 21 in the 3500 block of Valley Drive in the City of Alexandria tested positive for the West Nile virus. This is the first West Nile virus positive bird found in Alexandria this year.

“We are not surprised to find West Nile virus positive birds in the City again this year,” said Bob Custard, Environmental Health Manager for the City of Alexandria. “West Nile virus appears to have become permanently established in the bird population here,” Custard added.

Birds of many species carry West Nile virus. However, crows, blue jays, hawks and owls are the birds that frequently die of the disease. Mosquitoes that bite a West Nile virus infected bird and subsequently bite a human can transmit the disease to the person.

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). Last year in Northern Virginia there were approximately 20 cases of West Nile virus which resulted in serious illness. Of these cases, two persons died.

“This report of a West Nile positive bird in Alexandria should reemphasize the need for residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” said Dr. Charles Konigsberg, Jr., Health Director for the City of Alexandria. To reduce exposure to mosquitoes, the Virginia Department of Health recommends that people wear long, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors. If possible, people should stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting. It is suggested that adults use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET. Repellent applied to children should not contain more than 10 percent DEET. Repellent should be applied to exposed skin and clothing.

“Citizens can do a lot to reduce the number of mosquitoes in their neighborhood,” said Joe Fiander, an Environmental Health Specialist with the Alexandria Health Department. “By simply eliminating as many areas of standing water as possible, mosquito populations can be drastically reduced,” Fiander added.

To control mosquito breeding, citizens should eliminate standing water by turning over or removing containers such as old tires, potted plant trays, boats, buckets and toys. Water should not be allowed to collect in garbage cans or upside down garbage can lids. Water from birdbaths and wading pools should be emptied once a week. Roof gutters and downspout screens should be cleaned regularly so that they drain properly.

# # #