HAUPPAUGE – Suffolk County Health Commissioner Humayun Chaudhry Wednesday said the New York State Department of Health confirmed that a crow collected on July 8th in Commack tested positive for West Nile virus.  This is the first bird collected this year in Suffolk County to test positive.

Residents are asked to continue reporting sightings of dead birds to the Department of Health Services by calling 631-787-2200 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.  “While not all birds will be picked up by the county and sent for testing, gathering this information is important to the county’s surveillance program because dead birds may indicate the presence of virus in the area,” said Dr. Chaudhry.

If a bird is not collected for testing, residents should use a shovel or wear gloves and double bag the dead bird and dispose of it in the trash, or bury it.  There is no evidence that a bird or its remains can infect humans.

West Nile virus, first detected in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter through 2007, is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.  The virus can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. 

It is estimated that 20 percent of those who become infected will develop West Nile fever. Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Symptoms of severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) include high fever, muscle weakness, stupor and disorientation.   In 2006, two Suffolk County residents were diagnosed with West Nile disease; in 2005 nine human cases were reported in Suffolk County.

Individuals, especially those 50 or over, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.  Make sure that your window and door screens are in place and in good repair; eliminate standing water from around your home and place of business; minimize the time you spend outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are found in greatest numbers; wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for extended periods of time; and consider the use of a mosquito repellent containing DEET when it is necessary to be outdoors in mosquito infested areas.