Thirteen dead birds have now tested positive for WNV in Stanislaus County. The Turlock Mosquito Abatement District has confirmed that 2 mosquito pools, the first pools in 2005, have now tested positive for WNV. For 2005, Merced County has just announced its first human case, Tulare County has announced five human cases, Fresno has announced its first human case and WNV in general appears to be increasing rapidly in the Central Valley.

“We are asking the public to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus,” expressed Dr. John Walker, public health officer for Stanislaus County. “West Nile virus is passed by the bite an infected mosquito and is not passed from person to person. There are things we can do to fight the spread of this disease and to protect ourselves. Now is the time to act.”

There are three primary ways for the public to avoid the disease:

1. Avoid mosquito bites
2. Mosquito-proof your home
3. Report dead birds to the state hotline

If you have found a dead bird on your property, please contact the California Department of Health Services by calling toll free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) to report the dead bird, or you may submit the information via the web site at www.westnile.ca.gov. In Stanislaus County, if you are instructed to dispose of the dead bird, or if the dead bird has not been picked up by five o’clock (5 p.m.) on the day it was reported, please follow these guidelines.

TIPS FOR HANDLING A DEAD BIRD

• Avoid touching the dead bird with your bare hands.
• Use gloves or multiple heavy-duty plastic bags to pick up the dead bird.
• Grasp the dead bird with your hand inside the plastic bags. Turn the plastic bags inside-out over the dead bird so the dead bird is now inside the plastic bags and your hands are on the outside of the plastic bags. Be sure that the beak or claws do not puncture the bags.
• Tightly seal the two bags.
• Dispose of the "double-bagged" bird carcass by placing it in a trash container. Ensure that the trash container is secure from children and animals while awaiting pickup from your refuse company.
• WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly with warm water and soap after disposal. If you wore gloves to dispose of the dead bird, wash your gloved hands and then wash your bare hands thoroughly after you have removed the gloves.

It is a good health practice never to handle any dead animals with your bare hands. There is currently no evidence that the West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans that have taken precautions when handling dead birds.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

• Get rid of standing water. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed within four days.
• Mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active at dawn and dusk, so be sure to wear long sleeves and pants if you are outdoors during these times.
• When outdoors, use mosquito repellants containing DEET. Be sure to follow the package instructions.
• In addition to DEET-based products, the CDC has recently recommended insect repellants containing oil of lemon eucalyptus and Picaridin.
• Make sure screen doors and windows have a tight fit and no holes for mosquitoes to enter. Repair damaged screens.
• Change the water in pet dishes and regularly replace water in bird baths. Drill holes in tire swings so water can drain.

Stanislaus County has a West Nile virus hotline in English and Spanish. The number has recorded information on the disease. The public can call (209) 558-8425. There is more WNV information on the Health Services Agency website at www.hsahealth.org