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| For more information contact: John Law For immediate release West Virginia has its first county this year test positive for West Nile West Virginia has its first county reporting a dead bird positive with West Nile virus for 2003. The bird, found in Greenbrier County, was tested and confirmed to be positive with the virus by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine. All states bordering West Virginia have identified the West Nile virus within their confines. West Nile virus may be spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. When outdoors during mosquito season, people can protect themselves by being properly clothed in long, loose and light colored clothing and use mosquito repellants containing DEET. When using products that contain DEET, use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never apply products containing DEET to faces and hands of children. In addition, mosquito populations can be reduced by removing all standing water from your property: bird baths, pet bowls, tires, pots, cans or even bottle caps. Persons who see a dead bird should contact their local health department. "We want to thank citizens for reporting dead bird sightings ," said Loretta Haddy, state epidemiologist, "these efforts have assisted public health to conduct a quality surveillance effort for West Nile virus across the state." For more information contact your local health department, the Division of Surveillance and Disease Control at 1-304-558-5358 or www.wvdhhr.org. – 30 – |