Sunday, September 1, 2002
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Sunday, September 1, 2002 |
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Bird found in Coweta tests positive for West Nile virus
By JOHN THOMPSON
Coweta County officials confirmed this week that the deadly West Nile virus has been discovered in the county. According to Environmental Health officials, a dead hawk was turned into the department for testing in early August. The bird was discovered near Marion Beavers Road in Sharpsburg and officials learned this week it tested positive for the virus. Environmental Health officials said the most important thing in preventing the spread of the disease is to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. The Coweta County Environmental Health Department has a few tips on how to deal with these pesky pests. All mosquitoes need standing water for the first stages of development, by eliminating stagnant water around your homes the adults will not have a place to lay their eggs. Throwaway anything that can collect water such as old tire cans buckets uncovered jars, plant pots, old kiddy pools and toys. Clean gutters and downspouts and flat roofs. Stack anything that can hold water such as wheelbarrows, tubs, boats, canoes, barrels and buckets upside down so that water cannot accumulate in them. Scrub birdbaths, pet dishes and small pools and refill with clean water at least twice weekly. When watering lawns or gardens try not to leave puddles. Eliminate water holding tree stumps and fill holes in trees. Maintain pools and hot tubs with proper filtration, cover any pools that are not in use and do not allow water to collect on the covers. In ponds and water gardens keep fish that will eat the mosquito larvae. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. Please encourage your neighbors to do the same. Second, keep mosquitoes out of your home using tight fitting window and door screens, replace or repair any screens with holes or tears. Check all screened porches for any entry places. Keep grass and weeds mowed, especially on banks next to water, to reduce the adult mosquitoes' resting places. Third, one can use insect repellents with no more than 30 percent DEET, but use sparingly. Use products with 15 percent or less DEET for children. Do not use any product with DEET on babies. Use sparingly, and always follow the directions on the container. After exposure has ended be sure and wash treated skin with soap and water. Many of these products are only good for only up to 4 hours, depending on wind, temperature, humidity and sweating. Last, cover up. Wear long sleeves and long pants, socks and shoes. Some mosquitoes can still bite through loose clothing, but not as well. Or avoid being outside when mosquitoes are active, such as early morning and evening. Bug zappers are not a good means of controlling mosquitoes, they will kill more bugs that kill mosquitoes than they kill mosquitoes. Citronella candles and torches are only effective of there is not a breeze, and should be used outdoors. Electronic repellers have not proven effective. More information on mosquito abatement can be found at the County Extensions Office on East Washington Street or you can call them at 770-254-2620. You can also call Coweta County Environmental Health, 770-254-7422. Birds can be tested for West Nile Virus only to determine if there are mosquitoes with the virus in the area. The birds themselves cannot transmit the virus, they only die from it. Because the state laboratories do not have the facilities to test every dead bird in the state there are some guidelines as to what can be tested. Birds of prey, such as hawks, crows and blue jays seem to be more susceptible to the virus therefore only these types of birds will be tested. Once the bird has died the virus also dies quickly, therefore birds that have been dead and not refrigerated for longer than a few hours cannot be tested. The most important thing to remember is that if the mosquito population is kept to a minimum then the risk of exposure to the virus is reduced, officials said.
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