St. Charles County Missouri

St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 12, 2002

CONTACTS:
Gil Copley, Director, St. Charles County Department of Health, 636-949-7400
Nancy Duncan, Deputy Director-Public Health, 636-949-7400

Six Additional West Nile Virus Dead Birds Reported
Total Infected Birds Reported Now Seven -- No Human Cases

St. Charles County - The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment on Monday received positive West Nile Virus (WNV) results on six birds submitted for testing in August to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This brings the total number of positive WNV birds to seven. No human cases of West Nile Virus-related illness have been found in St. Charles County nor in the State of Missouri.

The birds reported positive were collected in the 63301, 63303, 63304, 63366 (two birds) and the 63367 zip codes. Three were in unincorporated areas of St. Charles County and one each from St. Charles City, O'Fallon, and Lake St. Louis. The previous positive dead bird reported was collected in the City of St. Peters.

The new reports are not unexpected. West Nile Virus appears to be widespread, infecting birds throughout the St Louis Metro Area. It has infected horses in the Metro- East area of Illinois and in Central Missouri. Because of this, health departments throughout the state are urging residents to avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and evening hours and to use mosquito repellents containing DEET when outdoors. Citizens can also assist in controlling the adult mosquito population by eliminating sources of standing water on their property. Health officials suggest these preventive steps:

  • Eliminate standing water sites where mosquitoes can breed by removing tires, buckets, and other water-holding objects from their property.
  • Remove tires, buckets, and other water-holding objects.
  • Change the water and clean birdbaths at least once a week.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools or drain and cover if not in use
  • Prevent water from accumulating in pool covers.
  • Unclog gutters and down spouts.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
  • Use insect repellents (follow product instructions carefully).
  • Make sure screens fit tightly in doors and windows.

Extensive West Nile Virus information and periodic updates can be found on the Department of Community Health and the Environment website at www.scchealth.org. Click on the link to the Metro West Nile Virus Information Center on the right side of the page. Information is also available by calling 636-949-7400.

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