DATE: August 23, 2000

HEADLINE: UPDATE ON WEST NILE VIRUS

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Gailor, Public Health Director

PHONE: 607-753-5036

This morning, August 23, 2000, a blue jay found on Cedar Street in the City of Cortland, was identified as being infected with West Nile Virus. The County Health Department is continuing to respond to this Public Health Threat in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control Guidelines. We are trapping mosquitoes to identify areas where the mosquitoes known to carry the virus are located. We have also signed a contract with a firm to apply larvicide to mosquito breeding sites in the county. We are at this time identifying the areas where we will larvicide. Larvicide comes in granular or briquet form and is NOT applied by spraying. There will be public notice of larvicide application, including the area in which it is being applied and related precautions, if any, at least 24 hours before it begins.

The Cortland County Health Department would like to remind residents of precautions needed to protect themselves. People are ONLY infected with West Nile Virus when an infected mosquito bites them. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, for example, people on chemotherapy, people who have a hard time fighting infections such as the common cold, are most at risk. Most people exposed to West Nile Virus will develop antibodies and immunity with no symptoms or only minor symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pains, and fatigue. The symptoms in most people will not require professional medical care. One percent (1%) of those who are infected with the disease will develop severe symptoms and these will result in the desire to seek medical care. The symptoms will be the same as those previously listed but more severe and may include: generalized weakness, stiff neck, severe headache, high fever, disorientation, tremors, convulsions. If you experience severe symptoms, contact your physician.

The Common Household Mosquito is the most common species found to carry West Nile Virus and is usually found in residential neighborhoods. Mosquito control begins at the neighborhood level. Reducing mosquito breeding sites not only reduces mosquitoes in your yard, but your neighbor's yard too. The elimination of stagnant water as breeding sites for mosquitoes is very important. Mosquitoes can hatch in four days from larvae in water left standing. Sources of standing water should be eliminated as follows:

• Dispose of discarded tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. (This week, 8/21 – 8/25, the Cortland County Landfill is accepting tires and containers free of charge from 8am to 3:30pm as part of the County's response towards the threat of West Nile Virus)
   
• Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
   
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
   
• Change the water in birdbaths every three days.
   
• Sweep driveways so they are free of puddles.
   
• Keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris.
   
• Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on property.
   
• Clean clogged roof gutters
   
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
   
• Drain water from pool covers.
   
• Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
   
• In addition, be sure all windows and doors are screened and repair any that are damaged. Weeds and tall grass provide an outdoor home for the adult mosquito so keep your yard trimmed.

To reduce your risk when outside wear insect repellant containing DEET. However, do not use a repellant with a concentration of more than 10% on children. Apply the insect repellant to your hands and then put it on the child. Insect repellant should not be put on the hands and faces of young children. Since mosquitos that feed during the day and evening have been found to carry the West Nile Virus, it is important to use repellant and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors.

The Cortland County Health Department is continuing to send birds for testing to identify any that might have died of the West Nile Virus.

Report all dead birds found in your yard to the Cortland County Health Department at 753-5035 or report online via our web site.

• Health Department Staff will record all incidents of ill or dead birds. Crows and Blue Jays that have died within the last 24 hours will be picked-up and sent in for testing for West Nile Virus.
   
• If the bird cannot be picked-up right away, use a shovel or wear gloves to place it in a plastic bag and then in a refrigerator or ice chest that is not used for food.
   
• If that is not possible, place plastic bags of ice over the dead bird and cover it with a bucket until the Health Department staff can arrive. (There is no evidence that West Nile Virus is spread directly from dead birds to humans. However, bare-handed contact with dead animals should always be avoided.)
   
• If the bird is not going to be sent in for testing (Health Department staff will notify you when we talk to you about your report), you can bury it or double bag it and place it in the garbage.

So far this year, three human cases of West Nile Virus have occurred in New York City. By following the precautions outlined you can help protect yourself and your family.