DATE: September 1, 2000

HEADLINE: UPDATE ON WEST NILE VIRUS

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Gailor, Public Health Director

PHONE: 607-753-5036

This afternoon, September 1, 2000, the County Health Department was notified of two more birds that tested positive for West Nile Virus. Both birds were crows that were found on Halstead Road in Cortlandville. Larvicide is being applied in catch basins throughout the county. Cortlandville and most of the City of Cortland were completed August 31, 2000, with the Village of Homer and other areas of the County being worked on today.

The Health Department continues to advise the public to use personal protection, i.e. long sleeves, long pants, and insect repellant when outside, especially in the evening and at night. Residents should also look around outside their homes for possible mosquito breeding sites. We ask the public to call 753-5035 to report dead birds they find.

We now have some information and an online bird reporting form.

Everyone in Cortland County needs to Remember:

• Use personal protection
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites
• Report all dead birds to the County Health Department at 753-5035 or our website
• Seek medical attention if ill