KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Today, Public Health – Seattle & King County announced that West Nile virus has been detected in three dead crows found in King County. This is the first confirmation that West Nile virus is present in King County. People should continue to prevent mosquito bites and remove mosquito habitat from their property.
“West Nile virus has been found in birds and people in several western Washington counties this summer and fall, so it’s no surprise that we found it in birds in King County,” said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Our West Nile virus response plan called for a strong surveillance system and it is working exactly as it is supposed to provide early warning to protect our residents’ health.”
The surveillance system includes testing dead crows, which are usually the first sign that West Nile virus is active in an area. Over 1800 crows were reported to Public Health over the last year and 74 were tested. Public Health will continue to test dead birds for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season, usually by early November. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds throughout the year.
Two of the positive birds were found in Seattle in the Magnolia and Broadview/Blue Ridge neighborhoods and the other was found in the East Hill neighborhood in Kent. The birds were reported by members of the public during the first and second week of October, and were shipped October 9th to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) at Washington State University, where the tests were conducted.
West Nile virus prevention
Dr. Sharon Hopkins, Public Health veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County, cautioned that residents throughout the county are at potential risk for West Nile virus, not just residents of Seattle and Kent.
“Although we have had no human cases acquired in King County, it’s more important than ever that people protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said Hopkins. “The risk of West Nile virus is low but I do encourage people to continue to reduce mosquito breeding habitat near their homes and to wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are biting.” She offered the following suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:
- When mosquitoes are out – often at dawn and dusk – wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
- Repair ripped windows and door screens and make sure they fit tight.
- Consider using an insect repellent. Repellents containing the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) are known to be very effective. It is important to read the label and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- In 2005, the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) added two new types of repellent to its recommended list of products known to be both safe and effective. Products containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are available in various formulations at drugstores and pharmacies.
- To reduce mosquito breeding habitat, get rid of standing water in clogged gutters, barrels, buckets and wheelbarrows, plastic tarps, toys, cans or plant saucers, tires, birdbaths, bottles, and wading pools.
West Nile
virus illness
West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other animals when they bite. West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact, nor is it transmitted from birds or other animals directly to people.
Dr. Hopkins said that most people who become infected do not experience any symptoms and are not ill. About 20% of people infected will develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash. In approximately 1 in 150 cases,
West Nile
virus can cause a severe infection of the brain and central nervous system. These cases are serious, and require hospitalization and supportive care. There is no vaccine for
West Nile
virus in humans. Public Health is advising health care providers throughout the county how to detect possible West Nile cases in humans, and how to get patients with possible
West Nile
virus infection tested.
In 2006 in the United States, over 3100 human West Nile virus cases have been reported to the CDC, including 97 deaths.
Horses are at high risk for West Nile virus. Horse owners are urged to contact their veterinarian about a vaccine for West Nile virus. Other animals, such as cats and dogs, are very unlikely to become ill from West Nile virus.
More information:
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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