LOCAL WEST NILE VIRUS SURVEILLANCE ACTIVITIES

The Knox County Health Department would like to remind Knox County residents that with warmer temperatures comes an increase in mosquito activity; bringing with it a greater threat for West Nile virus (WNV). 

As a result, the Health Department began disease surveillance activities to track West Nile virus in Knox County on May 1, 2008.  “Dead birds have been proven to be excellent early indicators for the potential presence of West Nile virus in the area,” states Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health for the Knox County Health Department.  The Illinois Department of Public Health has concluded that Illinois counties which record a WNV-positive bird prior to August 1st were twice as likely to have a human case of the disease compared to those which record a WNV positive bird after August 1st. 

Mr. Hayes, stressed that, “Citizens who observe a sick or dying bird should contact the Knox County Health Department; Department staff will then determine if the bird is to be picked up for laboratory testing.”  “This year, all perching birds (passiforms) such as the crow, blue jay, grackle, starling, robin, finches, sparrows, cardinals, swallows, flycatchers, cat birds, mockingbirds, warblers, and wrens will be accepted for testing.  However no waterfowl, larger birds such as vultures, or endangered birds will be tested” stated Hayes.  

If a dead bird is found between now and October 15th and appears to have died of natural causes, individuals should report the “sighting” to the Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224. 

For more information, contact the Health Department at 309-344-2224, or visit the Knox County Health Department website at www.knoxcountyhealth.org.