- Contacts Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance program
manager 360-236-3366
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
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- OLYMPIA -- West Nile virus
(WNV) has been detected in a dead raven collected near Newport, Washington.
Testing at the National Wildlife Health Center Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin
confirmed the virus. This is the first WNV detection in Washington, according
to the state Department of Health. There have been no human cases of WNV
acquired in the state.
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- "West Nile virus is moving west and has already
been detected in other western states, so we have been expecting it to
arrive in Washington," said Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance
program manager. "We have a good surveillance system in place, and
it worked."
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- The raven was collected in Pend Oreille County and submitted
by the Northeast Tri County Health District as part of the Washington Department
of Health dead bird surveillance program. Many local and state agencies
as well as private volunteer groups are participating in the surveillance
work.
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- "The risk of West Nile illness is low, and taking
precautions to protect against mosquito bites can help you reduce that
risk," said Lilja. Simple measures may help reduce the risk of exposure
to mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus:
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- * Be cautious during
outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
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- * Wear long-sleeved
shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
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- * Use mosquito repellents
containing DEET; follow the directions on the container.
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- * Screen all doors
and windows.
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- * Get rid of old
tires and other containers around your home where water can accumulate
and serve as a breeding
ground for mosquitoes.
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- Lilja encouraged people to continue reporting dead birds
to their local health departments for possible testing so the state health
department can track the spread of WNV in Washington.
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- West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and crows
are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an
infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when
they bite. There have been no human or horse cases of West Nile virus reported
in Washington. Nationwide, 43 states have detected the virus and 2,477
confirmed human cases have been reported.
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- Most people who become infected with West Nile virus
don't get sick. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases,
WNV may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. More information
on West Nile virus is available on the Department of Health Web site. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site also has WNV information.
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- The Department of Health West Nile virus surveillance
program is working with local health agencies and other state agencies,
including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife
on WNV surveillance, planning and prevention.
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- http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2002_News/02-159.htm
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