West Nile found in dead bird on base Published Aug. 2, 2007 By Steve Brady 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- A dead raven found on base July 26 tested positive for the West Nile Virus, officials said. No human cases have been reported here. The finding is not cause for panic; some wild birds can carry the virus, according to base public health officials. "We don't want to cause alarm with a single dead bird," said Capt. Ian Wiechert, 21st Aerospace Medical Squadron Public Health Flight commander, "but we do want residents to be informed and know how to protect themselves." Protection includes eliminating standing water, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants at dusk and dawn, using an insect repellant with DEET when outdoors, and limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. Peterson public health sets mosquito traps on base and has them tested for the virus at the Air Force Institute for Operational Health entomology lab in Texas. If large numbers of infected mosquitoes were found, the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron could have the base sprayed with pesticides to control mosquitoes, but that step is rarely needed in this area, Captain Wiechert said. Currently, only three mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile this year in El Paso County. Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected and most are simply a nuisance, but not a health threat, he said. Even if a mosquito is infected, the chances a person will become severely ill from any single mosquito bite are extremely small. "It's not a large problem here," Captain Wiechert said, "and we want to educate and prevent so it does not become a large problem." West Nile virus is a disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It is carried long distance by birds and spread from birds to humans, and horses, by mosquito bites. It is very rare to catch West Nile, Captain Wiechert said, and most people infected will not get sick or will have only mild symptoms. These include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. However, in rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining). Symptoms generally appear three to 14 days after exposure; people over age 50 are more vulnerable to the severe forms of West Nile. "Although the chance of contracting West Nile is low, we want residents to know how to protect themselves," he said. Remember the 4 Ds of protection: DEET: Apply insect repellant containing DEET to exposed skin when outdoors. DUSK and DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when potentially infectious mosquitoes are most active. Always take recommended precautions to prevent mosquito bites, day or night. DRESS: Wear long sleeved-shirts and long pants during dawn and dusk, or any place where mosquitoes are active. DRAIN: Eliminate standing water around your house and property - including tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters and puddles. These are areas where mosquitoes like to lay eggs. For information about West Nile, go to www.fightthebitecolorado.com. (To report dead birds suspected with West Nile Virus, contact the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment at 575-8636. The only birds accepted for testing are from the corvid family (jays, crows, ravens and magpies). Dead birds should be avoided or handled with caution - place in a plastic bag using a shovel or gloves and, if possible, keeping cool until delivery. )