NEWS

For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Michael Williams, Ph.D. Communicable Disease Control, 314- 615-1630
Pager 314-430-5885

Ron Twillman, Vector Control and Veterinary Services, 314-615-8351

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Birds in Saint Louis County

Saint Louis County, Missouri, July 15, 2003 - Saint Louis County Department of Health has received confirmation from the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that samples collected from birds in North County last week have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). Blood samples from three of 25 sparrows from the 63134 zip code were confirmed to have the virus. This is the first time this year that WNV has been identified in the bird population in Saint Louis County.

Public health officials expected to see confirmation of WNV in the area again this season. The Culex pipiens mosquito is the primary carrier of the West Nile Virus. It feeds primarily on birds but occasionally feeds on humans and other mammals.

To avoid mosquito bites and reduce the risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus, health officials suggest taking some simple precautions.

• Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors whenever you are outdoors.
  
• Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
  
• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-tolumide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection.
  
• Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
  
• Whenever you use an insecticide or inspect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.

To report the location of dead crows, blue jays or hawks, please log on to www.scchealth.org and click on the "West Nile Virus Information Center" then click on "Report Dead Birds" for instructions. Or call Saint Louis County's Communicable Disease Control office at 314-615-1630 and leave a voice message. Dispose of dead birds by double bagging and placing in the trash. For more information on mosquito prevention, please call St. Louis County Vector Control at 314-727-3097 or log on to www.stlouisco.com.

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