Birds test positive for West Nile

Birds test positive for West Nile


By LEONARD THORNTON, leonard@tmnews.com

BEDFORD — A dead crow and bluejay have tested positive for West Nile virus, which was already confirmed in the county when pools of mosquitoes previously tested positive for the virus.

Lawrence County Sanitarian Paul McBride, of the Lawrence County Health Department, cautions residents to be aware when outdoors.

“While outside, residents should wear long sleeves and apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing,” McBride said. “Deer and turkey hunters especially need to be aware while in the woods. Everyone should take these precautions until we have had at least two or three hard frosts.”

DEET is the safest insect repellent for protection, particularly for children, against insect-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and meningitis, and has been approved by the Center for Disease Control.

The birds were found in the Springville area. The location, according to health officials, should not be taken as more significant than other places because the risk is likely all over.

“Birds are the primary host for the West Nile virus and mosquitoes do the transmitting,” McBride said. “Those of us over (age) 50 are the ones most affected by the virus.”
The dead birds found in Springville and one of the pools of mosquitoes found in the Spring Mill Park area prove they are widespread throughout the county.

“We have had a lot of rain that has provided many places for them to lay eggs,” McBride said. “This creates a possibility of a large hatch out next year.”

McBride said to watch for standing water that can gather in a lot of places including stumps, plastic containers, swimming pools, old tires and a number of other objects.

“Everything that can be emptied needs to be to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs,” McBride said. “If it can’t be emptied, it needs to be sprayed with insecticide. The female is the most active, which uses blood in its egg production.

“Even if you don’t see mosquitoes there is a good chance that they are around. Many of the mosquitoes that carry the virus bite between dusk and dawn.”