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A dead bird found in Kosciusko County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
This is the first sign of the virus in this county this year.
According to Health Department Administrator Bob Weaver Thursday afternoon, the dead bird was found in Plain Township.
In a statement provided by Weaver, he also said, "This is not a surprise. West Nile Virus has been present in Kosciusko County for the last two years and we are expecting to see it again this year."
All summer, the health department has been sending birds to state labs for testing. The bird found in Plain Township was the first one that came back positive.
As for human infections, Weaver said there have been "none this year."
According to published reports, the Indiana State Department of Health reports the total number of infected birds statewide so far this year is seven, including the recent one found in Kosciusko County as well as in Huntington, Scott and Steuben counties. Twenty-two infected mosquito groups have been identified in the state.
The birds the state tests for West Nile includes crows, blue jays and raptors (owls, hawks, etc.).
If someone finds a solitary dead bird of the type mentioned, Weaver said they can call the health department at 574-372-2349. The health department wants to know the location of the dead bird(s) so they can map out the locations of where all the dead birds are found. The state doesn't want any more dead birds from the county since a bird with the virus already has been found.
Now may be the peak period for mosquitoes. Weaver said, "We've had a lot of rain" and mosquitoes breed in standing water.
Weaver said everyone should take the appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites. There is no human vaccine and no cure for the virus infection, but it can be prevented.
To help prevent spread of the virus, avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times - dawn to dusk - whenever possible. When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have first bitten an infected bird. A person bitten by an infected mosquito may show symptoms from 3 to 15 days after the bite.
Individuals age 50 and over are at the greatest risk for serious illness, including disabling neurological problems. Health officials caution that people of all ages are at risk for infection and severe illness and should take precautions to avoid being bitten.
The virus usually causes a milder form of illness - West Nile Fever - which includes fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands and occasionally a rash.
The Culex mosquito, the primary carrier of the West Nile virus, breeds well when the weather is hot and dry. Hundreds of mosquitoes can come from a small amount of stagnant water as found in clogged rain gutters, failing septic system, discarded tires, non-flowing ditches and catch basins, tin cans, jars and containers that fill with rainwater as well as unattended pools and bird baths.
Officials urge residents to remove standing water from property to prevent mosquito breeding grounds around the home.
Weaver said residents in the vicinity of where the bird was found that was tested positive for the virus will soon receive more information about preventing the virus.
For daily updates on positive results for The West Nile Virus and a virus surveillance map, visit the State Department of Health's Web site at www.statehealth.in.gov
