What is the West Nile Virus?

The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and in rare cases can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Last year was the first time the virus was ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere and was found in the New York City metropolitan area. On August 21, the virus was identified in a bird found in Cortlandville. While elderly residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are probably at no greater risk of being bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus, persons greater than 50 years old have a higher risk of serious illness if bitten by infected mosquitoes. Precautions should be taken to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and to:

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

West Nile Virus Public Awareness

West Nile Virus is fatal to some birds, especially crows and blue jays, and dead birds are often used as an indicator when the virus enters a geographic area.

Health department staff will record all incidents of ill or dead birds.

1-3 birds per week will be sent in for West Nile Virus testing. The Health Department will only consider arranging a dead bird pick-up if the bird has died within the last 24 hours and is in good condition.

Birds waiting to be picked up should be kept cold by either: a) Placing a bag of ice on the bird and covering the carcass with a pail, or b) Placing the bird with ice in a cooler, not used for food. While West Nile Virus cannot be spread directly from birds to people, you should always avoid bare-handed contact when handling dead birds and animals. (Use gloves if handling the bird.)

If arrangements are not made for a pick-up, please dispose of all dead birds properly. Use gloves to put the dead bird in double plastic bags. Then place the bagged carcass in an outdoor garbage can.

The Health Department will not be available on the weekends to pick-up dead birds. If you discover a dead bird over the weekend please report the siting by calling 753-5035, and leave an appropriate message with your name, home address, and phone number.

Neighborhood Cooperation

Mosquito control begins at the neighborhood level. Reducing mosquito breeding sites not only reduces mosquitoes in your yard, but your neighbor's yard too. Common neighborhood breeding sites include tires and stagnant wading/swimming pools. Whenever a potential breeding site is reported to the Cortland County Health Department, we will be sending the resident/owner this information sheet on mosquito control.

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home:

• dispose of all water holding containers where water can stagnate
• remove all discarded tires on the property
• drill holes to drain water from recycling containers that are kept outdoors
• make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall
• turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use
• change the water in bird baths three times per week or put them away for the season
• clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
• clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs
• prevent pools from stagnating
• drain water from pool covers
• use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water on your property

Reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes

• Reduce or eliminate all stagnant water in your yard
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens
• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants in the evening if you are outside
• Use insect repellant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions