West Nile testing under way

Infected crows found

By: Sharlee Joy DiMenichi
   Seven dead crows, some with the West Nile Virus, have been discovered in South Brunswick.
   Tests were performed on the crows, which were found in different areas of the township, and on mosquitoes in standing water near where each of the crows were found. The tests do not show that the mosquitoes were carrying the virus, but health officials say the tests were not conclusive.
   The Township Council, which serves as the township Board of Health, will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. to discuss the crows and what measures it might have to take.
   The virus causes severe headache and fever, according to township Health Officer Steve Papenberg. The virus is transmitted from birds to humans though insect bites.
   Mr. Papenberg said he is still awaiting some test results. Workers at state laboratories conduct the tests.
   "I’m still waiting on the result from some of the mosquitoes and I’m still waiting on the results for some of the crows," Mr. Papenberg said.
   Each crow was found by a separate resident in a different area of the township, Mr. Papenberg said. He would not say who found the birds or where they were discovered.
   The Center for Disease Control reports the virus has killed 80 people in the United States this year and that 1,611 have been infected with the disease, according to the center’s Web site.