West Nile virus found in Brattleboro
Toolbox
By PATRICK McARDLE Herald Staff - Published: September 1, 2007
BRATTLEBORO — The summer's first confirmed case of West Nile virus was found in a crow that was discovered in Brattleboro on Aug. 13, according to the Vermont Department of Health.
Patsy Tassler, an epidemiologist for the Health Department, said it was difficult at this point to draw any conclusions from the discovery.
Last year, the state found nine birds that tested positive for West Nile virus. The first in 2006 was also found around the middle of August.
"It's really hard to predict. … The distribution of West Nile virus can be really spotty around the state or really focused in one area. … It will all depend on what the weather is like and what kind of mosquito season we have," she said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, West Nile virus becomes most problematic in the summer and fall. Most humans, about 80 percent, infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms but about one out of 150 people may be seriously infected. In those cases, the virus can be fatal.
For the last two years, West Nile virus has not been found in the southern part of Vermont but in 2005, it was found in a horse in Rutland County. In 2004, it was found in one bird each in Rutland, Windsor and Windham counties.
No people have reported West Nile virus in Vermont since 2003 but a positive diagnosis was made of a Massachusetts patient this year around the time the crow was found in Brattleboro.
The Department of Health has been watching West Nile virus for seven years to make sure it doesn't become a problem in Vermont, although some cases in animals seem inevitable.
"In the Northeastern United States, West Nile has become well-established, but here in Vermont, we don't have the climate, the mosquito habitat or even the kinds of mosquito that can be the real problem," Tassler said.
While there are no signs that West Nile virus is at an alarming level in Vermont this year, Tassler said the Department of Health wanted to spread awareness that it is present to allow people to make informed choices.
For instance, mosquitoes tend to breed around stagnant water so any places where water can pool and sit, like bird baths or rain gutters, should be either kept dry or cleared so water flows through.
Health officials also recommend taking steps to avoid mosquito bites like using insect repellent — although no product that contains the chemical DEET should be used on infants — and wearing long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquito bites are likely to occur.
According to Tassler, Health Department staff members hope Vermonters, who have already turned in more than 275 dead birds this season, will continue to be vigilant.
While the state is not looking for decomposing birds, freshly dead birds, especially crows, jays, robins and raptors, should be turned in to local officials.
Tassler recommended the birds be picked up using gloves or an inverted plastic bag, similar to the method many dog owners use to collect their pet's droppings. Dead birds can be reported by calling (800) 913-1139.
The next few weeks could still have an impact on how West Nile virus impacts Vermont this year. Dry, hot weather could encourage mosquito breeding which could increase the spread of West Nile.
The West Nile watch is finished for the season after the first few hard frosts. Tassler said that can vary from year to year but generally happens by mid- to late October.
For more information on West Nile virus on the Internet, visit the Department of Health Web site at www.healthvermont.gov/prevent/wnv/wnv.aspx.
Contact Patrick McArdle at patrick.mcardle@rutlandherald.com.
40