First Positive Test Result In The State—

Dead Crow In Sandy Hook Had West Nile Virus

By Jan Howard

A dead crow found in Sandy Hook on June 17 has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to Newtown District Department of Health Director Donna McCarthy.

It is the first one reported in the state this year by the State Mosquito Management Program.

“I’m not surprised we’re getting them,” Ms McCarthy said this week.

Ms McCarthy said the district has submitted several birds to the state Department of Public Health (DPH) for testing, but this was the first one to have a positive report.

“We started collecting them on June 1,” she said.

West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne virus, is characterized by flulike symptoms including fever, headache, and muscle aches. The peak period of risk is during August and September.

Ms McCarthy said the town is placing biological larvicides in catch basins on town roadways where mosquitoes would breed. Homeowners with ponds can purchase “dunks” for larvicide.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has established a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set every ten days at each site on a rotating basis. Supplemental trapping is also considered in response to detection of West Nile virus in humans, horses, and birds during the course of the season.

To date, no mosquitoes trapped in Connecticut have tested positive for the virus, Ms McCarthy said. Newtown has one trapping site.

Ms McCarthy strongly urges residents to protect themselves against the West Nile virus by dumping any standing water immediately. Mosquitoes live near and breed in standing water, such as birdbaths, ceramic pots, tires, and tire swings. She noted that even the smallest containers, such as a coffee cup, could be the host to many mosquitoes.

“This is the sixth year that West Nile virus has been found in Connecticut,” said DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, MD, MPH. “Residents, particularly the elderly, should avoid mosquito bites at any time during the mosquito season, especially in areas where West Nile virus is identified.”

Surveillance for West Nile virus-infected birds began June 1, and is coordinated by the DPH. Birds submitted by local health departments are evaluated by the Department of Environmental Protection, transported to the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, and testing is completed at the DPH State Public Health Laboratory.

As of June 28, 12 wild birds have been submitted to the State Mosquito Management Program. Testing has been completed on 11 and results are pending on one bird.

Persons older than 50 are more likely than younger persons to suffer severe health consequences if infected with West Nile virus. In 2003, 17 persons were confirmed with the virus, including residents of 16 towns in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Tolland counties. Thirteen were hospitalized. Onset of illness occurred from the last week of July to the second week of November. All the patients survived. Overall, the age of patients ranged from 6 to 85 years.

The wild bird surveillance program emphasizes reporting and testing of dead adult crows and birds related to crows, including blue jays and ravens, and raptors such as hawks. During 2003, 444 crows, 74 blue jays, and six wild birds of other species tested positive for West Nile virus. The positive birds were found in 135 different towns in all eight counties between June 30 and October 29.

Newtown residents should report sightings of dead birds to the Health District throughout the summer and fall. The health department would log each call, including the date, species, and location of the sighting and then report that information to the DPH on a weekly basis. The DPH coordinates the collection of information on bird mortality, which includes reports of dead bird sightings and their testing for West Nile virus. Reports of dead birds and test results are updated on the State Mosquito Management website as new test results are available.

To avoid mosquito bites, minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn; be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair; when possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Clothing material should be tightly woven; use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors; and consider using mosquito repellent when outdoors and always use it according to label instructions.

When using DEET, the most widely used insect repellent, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, children’s hands, or to infants less than 2 months of age.

To reduce mosquitoes around the home, drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling; clean clogged roof gutters; turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows; change water in birdbaths at least once a week; clean and chlorinate swimming pools and when not in use, use pool covers; and use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect.