The recent discovery of a dead crow found in Oneida county has prompted an alert from the Oneida County Health Department.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans from the bite of infected mosquitos. The virus also affects certain species of birds and the death of a bird is an indicator the virus is in the area, says Oneida County Public Health Nurse Rebecca Lohagen
. The bird was found July 29. The crow was sent to the state and came back as having the virus.
Lohagen says an infected mosquito can pass the virus along to humans, horses and birds...
"...About 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will never know they're infected. Some people have mild symptoms, such as fever or headache, joint pain, body aches. A few people will have severe symptoms. Sometimes that will lead to vision loss or coma...."
Lohagen has a few tips to limit your exposure...
"...The key is prevention. There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus. So what you want to do is make sure you are using a bug spray with DEET, don't go out at dawn or dusk. Those are the busiest time for mosquitos. Make sure there's no high water or standing grass in your yard, making sure there's no area for them to breed or to hide...."
Lohagen says if you find a dead crow or bluejay, she says the Oneida County Health Department isn't taking any more dead birds for testing, rather, she says, contact the state Department of Health Services dead bird reporting hotline 1-800-433-1610.
