Dead Bird Found in Benton County Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

In Oregon, the first reported case of WNV was in 2004. This year, DHS has reported 62 human cases of WNV.

This year the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has reported 62 human cases of West Nile Virus

(CORVALLIS) - Benton County public health officials announced Tuesday that Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed a dead bird has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The bird, a Western-Scrub Jay, was found in North Corvallis. According to Benton County Environmental Director Bill Emminger, "Both this year and last year, bird populations in Benton County did not test positive for WNV until near the end of the mosquito breeding season. It has not been determined if this is a trend or a chance reoccurrence."

Emminger advises residents to take the following precautions to reduce their risk of infection from the virus:

Make sure screen doors and windows fit tightly; repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing when outside.

Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding such as clogged gutters, birdbaths and old tires.

Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Use bug repellant, preferably one that contains DEET, Picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow label directions carefully. Never apply DEET directly to children or put it on children's hands. Apply repellant first to your own hands and then onto the child. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age three.

In Oregon, the first reported case of WNV was in 2004. This year the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has reported 62 human cases.

DHS has an active surveillance program underway to test birds, chickens and mosquitoes for WNV.

In addition, physicians and other health providers are encouraged to test patients who have neurological symptoms compatible with WNV.

DHS has set up a toll-free WNV hotline for recorded information in English and Spanish at (866) 703-4636 (statewide).

Information, including updated case counts, is also on the DHS Web site at www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/acd/diseases/wnile/wnile.shtml