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Dead Raven In Washington
Tests Positive For West Nile
Washington State Department of Health
For Immediate Release October 2, 2002
10-5-2


Contacts Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance program manager 360-236-3366
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
 
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.
 
"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."
 
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.
 
"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:
 
*       Be cautious during outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
 
*       Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
 
*       Use mosquito repellents containing DEET; follow the directions on the container.
 
*       Screen all doors and windows.
 
*       Get rid of old tires and other containers around your home where water can accumulate and          serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
http://www.doh.wa.gov/Publicat/2002_News/02-159.htm





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