The 2007 WNV surveillance program will include the testing of crows, bluejays, robins, hawks, and owls since these birds have been determined to be major carriers of the virus in wild bird populations. These wild birds may die if infected with the virus, and act as indicators for the presence and spread of the West Nile Virus in our environment. Arkansans are encouraged to assist in this surveillance for this virus by bringing dead crows, bluejays, r obins, hawks, and owls to their local health unit for laboratory testing. Arkansans are also encouraged to report die-offs of other wild bird species statewide, and these incidents will be investigated to determine if they might indicate the presence of West Nile Virus or other diseases affecting humans.

Residents should take the following steps when they want to submit a dead crow, blue jay, robin, hawk, or owl to the Division of Health for testing:

• Avoid submitting decomposed birds for testing. A bird cannot be tested if it is decomposed, mangled, or has ants or maggots on the carcass.
• Avoid bare-hand contact when handling dead birds.
• Use rubber gloves when handling a dead bird. If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, grasp the bird carefully and invert the bag over the bird. The bag should be tied and then placed inside a second tied bag. Double-bagging prevents cross-contamination of individual birds and leaking containers that may contaminate vehicles and handlers during transportation. If the bird is to be submitted for testing, take the bird to the nearest local health unit.

If you cannot drop off the bird right away, then keep it cool in an ice chest until such time that it can be delivered to the local health unit.

In 2006, Arkansas had 29 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus infection, which resulted in 4 human deaths from the disease. Arkansas experienced 28 human cases of West Nile Virus infection in 2005, which also resulted in 4 deaths. 28 human cases were reported in 2004, with no deaths from the disease.

Here are some facts about mosquitoes and the risks they pose to Arkansans:

• When mosquitoes feed on an infected bird or mammal, they may pick up the virus. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Not all mosquitoes have the virus in them, but certainly, the more mosquito bites one gets, the greater the risk of catching the disease. There are no reports of WNV in humans in Arkansas so far this year. Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Less than one percent of persons bitten by an infected mosquito develop severe illness. Older individuals (fifty years and over) are at greater risk of developing severe illness and encephalitis.
• There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infections; avoiding mosquitoes is the best prevention.
• Symptoms of infection typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint aches, listlessness and possibly encephalitis (swelling of the brain which is the most dangerous symptom).

West Nile Virus was first recognized in the Western Hemisphere in the summer of 1999. The virus spread quickly across the country. During the year 2002, there were over 4,000 human cases in the US that resulted in 284 deaths

Important Facts About Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes breed in any body of water. This includes water in small containers, such as tree holes and tin cans, to large bodies of water like lakes or marshes. These breeding places create a variety of mosquito problems. To help stop mosquitoes from breeding, Arkansans should:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic posts or similar water-holding containers.
• Remove discarded tires from surrounding property.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Change the water in bird baths frequently.
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
• Drain water from swimming pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, make sure all windows and doors have screens, which are in good repair. You should also stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active --- from dusk to dawn. When it is necessary to be outdoors during this time, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellent (containing up to 35 percent DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus). Use the following precautions when using insect repellents:

• Store out of the reach of children and read all instructions on the label before applying.
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellents themselves.
• Do not apply insect repellents directly to children. Apply to your own hands and then put on the child, avoiding the child’s face and hands.
• Avoid prolonged and excessive use of insect repellents.
• Do not apply insect repellents in enclosed areas.
• Do not apply insect repellents directly to your face.
• Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
• If you believe you or your child are experiencing an adverse reaction to an insect repellent, wash the treated area immediately and call your health care provider.

The Division of Health has established an automated West Nile Virus phone line to respond to public inquiries. If you have a question, please call your local health unit or call 1-877-296-9555, or in Little Rock, 661-2893.

To learn more about the West Nile Virus Surveillance Program and its activities, visit the Division of Health website at http://www.healthyarkansas.com/services/
westnilevirus_information.htm

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