Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, Mo. 65109

June 03, 2004

Dr. Howard Pue
Karen Yates
Section for Communicable Disease Prevention
Telephone: 573-751-6113

First West Nile Virus Positive Birds for 2004 in Two Missouri Counties

Two dead birds, a crow from St. Clair County in west central Missouri and a grackle from St. Charles County in the east central part of the state, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), Dr. Howard Pue, Missouri Public Health Veterinarian announced today.

The birds were tested at the University of Missouri Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Columbia and the positive results were reported today to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The St. Clair County bird was found in the community of Osceola, and the St.Charles bird found in O'Fallon.

"Crows and blue jays are the birds most likely to die when infected with WNV" said Pue. "Other birds such as sparrows, common grackles, and birds of prey, like hawks and owls, may also become infected with WNV and die. Missouri's local public health agencies often track or test dead birds because they may be the first sign of WNV activity in an area. The public is urged to call their local health department to find out what to do about reporting dead birds."

In 2003, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reported WNV activity in 100 of the state's 115 counties (including St. Louis city). Human disease case numbers dropped in 2003 to 64 verified reports compared with the 168 human cases recorded in 2002. However, deaths resulting from complications related to WNV infection increased in 2003, with 8 fatalities being linked to the disease compared to 7 in 2002. DHSS epidemiologists believe that WNV-related deaths were probably under-recognized in 2002, some fatalities not being recognized as being linked to the disease. 2002 was Missouri's first year of statewide WNV activity.

Most people infected with WNV do not notice any symptoms. For some, the virus may cause headaches, swollen glands, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal complaints. In severe cases, WNV may cause an infection of the brain called encephalitis or even death. People over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of becoming seriously ill when infected with WNV.

Citizens are reminded that WNV season should not mean that they must stop working or recreating outdoors. WNV disease is preventable and following a few simple steps can reduce a person's risk of becoming infected:

• Use an insect repellant that contains DEET, especially during the prime mosquito-biting hours between dusk and dawn. Repellants that contains DEET can prevent mosquito bites when used according to directions. DEET has a safety record of more than 40 years of use by millions of people worldwide. The two most common problems people have with DEET repellant are when they spray it in their eyes and when they inhale it. When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and hands. Use repellant sparingly around children's ears.
  
• Use clothing or some other physical barrier between you and biting mosquitoes. When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outdoors. Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or permethrin since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. (Read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE.) Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
  
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes in areas outdoors where you work or play, by draining sources of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. At least once or twice a week, clean out birdbaths and empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans. Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out. Remove discarded tires,and other items that could collect water.

For more information about preventing West Nile virus infection, contact your County or City Health Department (phone) or visit one of these websites:
Missouri: www.dhss.mo.gov/WestNileVirus
U.S. Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile

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