Bird tests positive for West Nile

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County Health Department has received a report from Annette Bred-thauer, Public Health Veterinarian, of a dead bird that has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Red Willow County Health Department has been collecting dead birds from members of the public this summer for West Nile Virus surveillance in order to track and combat the spread of WNV. The birds are submitted to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for testing.

Statistics of Human cases of WNV in Nebraska show the virus is increasing in number.

Sixteen cases have been reported in Nebraska; one additional case was found in a blood donor

Nine cases involved males, seven involved females

Age range: cases reported in age 0 to over age 65, with six reported in the 26 to 50 year age range

Nine people have been hospitalized

Seven cases have been reported as the more severe West Nile Meningoencephalitis

Nine cases have been reported as the less severe West Nile Fever

No deaths have yet been reported in Nebraska this year

One case has been reported in Perkins county; One in Lincoln county

Nationally, 177 cases have been reported, with 96 cases of the more severe Neuroinvasive disease and 81 less severe Non-neuroinvasive cases. Three people in Arizona have died from West Nile Virus this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WNV is maintained in nature in a transmission cycle that involves primarily birds and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.

The main route of human infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Additionally, WNV has been detected in over 200 bird species, and mosquitoes can spread the virus to dogs, cats and horses, although it is unlikely that pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs with WNV.

Horse owners are strongly encouraged to contact their veterinarians to have their horses vaccinated.

Since there is no specific treatment for WNV other than symptom control, prevention is key. The risk of becoming infected is reduced by applying mosquito repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeved shirt/pants/socks, avoiding going out at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and removing standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Red Willow County Health Department is providing free 2010-11 Fight the Bite Calendars to the public.

Calendars may be obtained by calling (308) 345-1790 or visit the Health Department at the Ag Complex on the Fairgrounds, 1400 West 5th Street.