Ocean County confirms first
crow with West Nile virus
Ocean County confirmed its first case of a dead crow infected with the West Nile virus this season, according to Edward Rumen, the health department’s public information officer.
Rumen said the dead crow was collected in the Silverton section of Dover Township and sent to a state laboratory on July 7 for testing through the state’s established reporting and collection system.
"We have notified the person who called us about the dead crow and also have notified Dover Township officials," Rumen said. "With the high amount of rain we have been having recently, it is a good idea for people to get out into their yards when they can and eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds."
Some mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus. Crows are especially susceptible to West Nile virus when bitten by a virus-carrying mosquito, Rumen explained.
He said possible breeding grounds include kiddie wading pools, bird baths, old tires, flower pots, cans or other containers around a yard, clogged roof gutters and any other area where stagnant water may collect.
"We all can take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes," said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Board of Health. "Even though the risk of contracting the virus is low, these steps can reduce the risk even more."
According to a press release, when venturing outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET on skin or clothing, or a repellent containing permethrin on clothing. Repellents are not suitable for babies under the age of 3 months. Always use a repellent according to the directions on its container.
If possible, limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. If weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Keep screen doors and windows in good repair.
Rumen said since the crow collection began on April 15, Ocean County had submitted eight crows for testing. The crow found in Dover Township is the only positive crow. Other counties reporting crows testing positive for West Nile include Atlantic, Cape May, Morris and Somerset.
"County residents can contact the health department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7502, to report a sick or dead crow sighting," Rumen said. "Testing crows for West Nile virus is a good way of locating the areas where the virus is circulating so we may take remedial action.
"Callers should remember that we are interested only in dead or sick crows," Rumen said. "We have received 81 calls this season, but upon investigating, the majority were grackles, a smaller bird with yellow eyes. Crows are larger birds with black eyes."
According to Cathleen Ciniglio, health department epidemiologist, very few persons infected with West Nile virus show any symptoms, which include low-grade fever, headache, and occasionally swollen lymph glands. More severe signs and symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, brain inflammation, coma and, rarely, death.
According to government figures, 1 percent of mosquitoes carry it in areas where the virus is established. Less than 1 percent of people bitten by those mosquitoes ever develop serious symptoms.
"Last year there were no reported positive cases of human West Nile virus in Ocean County. In 2002 there were two reported cases occurring here. Both persons fully recovered," Ciniglio said.
Ciniglio said any resident handling a dead crow or any dead animal should wear gloves.
For more information on West Nile virus, including photos of crows, see the Ocean County Health Department Web site at www.ochd.org or the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Internet Web site at www.state.nj.us/health.