Coastal Post Online
MARIN COUNTY'S NEWS
MONTHLY - FREE PRESS
(415)868-1600 -
(415)868-0502(fax) - P.O. Box 31, Bolinas, CA, 94924
November, 2004
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Three More Birds Victims of West Nile
(Cotati), California October 21, 2004: the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV)
has been detected in Sonoma and Marin county. WNV is a viral disease of birds
that can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito that has fed on an infected
bird.
Three more birds have tested positive for WNV in Sonoma and Marin County by the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District in cooperation with
the California State Health Department. The birds were reported from the
following County /Cities: Marin County - 1 American Robin from Novato in the area of Queva Vista submitted on 10/11/2004. Sonoma County - 1 Hermit Thrush
from Guerneville in the area of Cutten Dr. submitted on 10/8/2004 and 1 Western
Scrub-Jay from Sebastopol in the area of Nora Ave. submitted on 10/6/2004. This
brings the total of WNV positive dead birds to sixty-three in the two counties
(46 in Sonoma County and 17 in Marin County).
Birds will still be accepted from all zip codes in the two Counties. The
California Department of Health Services will now be accepting dead birds from
all cities/zip codes in both Marin and Sonoma until further notice. Although
the following areas are considered endemic to West Nile Virus, Cotati 94931,
Forestville 95436, Petaluma 94952 and 94954, Rohnert Park 94928, Santa Rosa
95403 and 95404, Sonoma 95476, Sebastopol 95472, San Rafael 94901 and Tomales
94971, the Marin Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District and the California
Department of Health Services want to gather more information on where and how
long the virus will continue to present itself into the fall and winter months.
The detection of WNV in wild birds indicates the virus is present. No human
cases have been reported positive at this time in either County. The District
is checking all know mosquito breeding sites and setting adult mosquito traps
in the areas where the birds have been found. We ask that the public remain
diligent in their own mosquito control efforts by checking their yards for
breeding sources since they are generally the main source for mosquitoes.
Symptoms of WNV range from mild flu-like conditions, such as fever, headache,
and nausea to a stiff neck, restlessness, stupor, delirium, and convulsions.
Most cases are mild; however, fatalities can occur in extreme cases. There is
no vaccine for WNV.
¥ Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, between dusk and
dawn.
¥ When engaging in outdoor activities, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants,
and apply insect repellent according to label instructions. Products containing
the active ingredient DEET have been proven to be the most effective.
¥ Screen all windows and make sure the screens are in good repair.
¥ Identify and eliminate all sources of standing water around your property.
¥ Remove water from rain gutters, boat covers, tires, tree holes, plastic
containers, and any other areas that contain standing water.
¥ Report dead crows, ravens, magpies, jays and raptors that have been dead
for less than 24 hrs.
On Line Reporting is Preferred at http://westnile.ca.gov/deadbird.cfm .The
toll-free line to report dead birds is 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473).
¥ Horses are susceptible to mosquito-borne viruses and should be vaccinated.