July 29, 2004

Dead crow found in Evergreen carried West Nile virus

A dead crow found in Evergreen, near Quimby and White Roads, recently tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV). This was the first confirmed case of the mosquito-borne disease found in Santa Clara County.

Common in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East, the West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in New York in 1999, according to the California Department of Health Services (CDHS). Since then, it has spread rapidly to 44 states.

Although no human infections have been reported in the Bay Area, the West Nile virus recently claimed the life of a 57-year old Orange County man, making him the first in California to die from the virus. About 35 Californians have tested positive for WNV in Southern California.

Most people who are infected with WNV will not experience any illness. About 10 to 15 percent of infected individuals may have only mild to moderate symptoms, such as a fever and rash, headache and body aches.

Less than 1 percent of individuals will develop serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis and meningitis. Yet the elderly and those with lowered immune systems are more susceptible to serious illness.

Currently there is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Since it is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics.

In recognition of the public health threat posed by WNV, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger included $977,000 in state funds in the May revision of the proposed state budget to boost California’s efforts to monitor and control the spread of WNV.

The funds would be used to expand surveillance activities to enhance detection of the virus and prompt control efforts.

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
- Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and the first two hours after sunset.
- Apply insect repellant containing DEET according to label instructions.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. It only takes an inch or two of water for mosquitoes to develop.

Contact the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, (408) 792-5010 or www.sccvector.org if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.

Report any dead crows, ravens, magpies and jays that have been dead for less than 48 hours to CDHS’ toll-free hotline: (877)-968-2473. The bird should show no signs of decomposition or maggot infestation.

While there is no evidence that people can get WNV from handling live or dead infected birds, individuals should not attempt to catch or handle them. Use gloves, a shovel or newspaper to put it in a plastic bag and place it in the trash if it is decomposing.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit the Web site http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.