PACIFIC COUNTY – The West Nile Virus (WNV) was found in Washington State in the fall of 2002 in two birds and two horses. In 2003 public health authorities expect the effects of WNV to be much greater.

In early spring and summer the virus is likely to multiply in mosquitoes and birds. By mid- to late-summer horse and human cases may occur in Western Washington. The county health department’s division of environmental health is making plans to address the spread of West Nile to Pacific County.

The West Nile Virus, closely related to both St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) and dengue fever viruses, was first seen in the United States in New York in 1999.

Now the virus has been reported in all of the lower 48 states except Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Wild birds are the principle host for West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes feed on an infected bird and transmit the infection to other birds when they bite again.

As WNV spreads throughout the bird population, transmission to humans and animals becomes likely as more and more infected mosquitoes are seeking a blood meal. No mosquito-transmitted encephalitis has occurred in Washington since the 1980s and so far no humans have acquired WNV in Washington State.

Most West Nile infections in humans are mild flu-like illnesses with fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. There can also be skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

Rarely the infection is much more severe and may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and possibly brain damage or death. Those are the cases we hear about. Infants and the elderly are those most likely to get severe illness with West Nile infection.

Horses are similarly affected, but unlike in humans there is a vaccine for horses. Pacific County veterinarians can advise horse owners concerning the need for such vaccination.

The health department plans several approaches to reducing the impact of West Nile in Pacific County this summer.

Educational materials are available at the health department on two important subjects: how to protect yourself from mosquito bites and how to reduce mosquitoes in your environment. Both approaches will reduce the likelihood of contracting the disease.

Information has been supplied to local retailers concerning the proper use of insect repellents and the type of products to stock this year. Information for county doctors and veterinarians on how to recognize and confirm the diagnosis of West Nile Virus infection will be distributed.

The health department is also looking for early signs of the presence of the infection in our communities. Through the assistance of the Washington State Department of Health, birds and mosquitoes can be tested for the presence of WNV. While the department itself plans some limited mosquito trapping and testing, it is calling on help from the public for “dead bird surveillance.”

A dead bird on the ground is not a sight that captures most people’s immediate attention, but to public health officials it is of interest this year. Checking birds, especially crows, ravens and jays, found dead with no signs of injury can give clues about where West Nile Virus is showing up. Experience in the last two years from other states indicates that birds dying in localized areas predict the later development of horse and human cases in those areas. By identifying such locales efforts at prevention may be appropriately focused.

The health department requests that citizens deliver any and all dead birds they come across to any of its offices. West Nile cannot be transmitted directly to people from a dead bird – it takes a mosquito to make the transfer. It is recommended that dead birds be collected using an inverted plastic sack covering the hand to pick the bird up. Then seal the bag and deliver it to the health department during office hours.

For further questions or concern, please contact Faith Taylor at Pacific County DCD 875-9356 or 642-9382.