The Grundy County Health Department has received notification that three birds submitted for testing for the West Nile Virus have had positive results.
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The Grundy County Health Department has received notification that three birds submitted for testing for the West Nile Virus have had positive results.
Kim Oaks, co-director of the Grundy County Health Department, said the three birds on which positive tests have been received were found within the city limits of Trenton, however, none of the three came from the same neighborhood. She said that all birds submitted for testing came from the city, with none being brought in from out in the county.
Because a positive test has been received in the county, the health department will no longer accept birds for testing. Mrs. Oaks said that other birds accepted prior to the positive test have been sent to the state to be checked, however, it is not known whether or not the state will go ahead and conduct tests on those submissions. If the county is notified of additional positive tests, Mrs. Oaks said the county health department will notify the public through the media.
Mrs. Oaks noted that the West Nile Virus is not transmitted from person to person and that there is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. The virus is carried by mosquitoes that become infected by feeding on the infected birds. She went on to say the incidence of human infection is very low and that the simplest way to prevent contracting the virus for persons to protect themselves from mosquito bites. This can be done by persons wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and spraying clothing with repellants containing permethrin or DEET.
According to the health department, most people infected with the virus do not have any symptoms. Some people experience a mild illness characterized by slight fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. In rare instances, encephalitis may occur. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headache should seek medical attention.
The Department of Health and Senior Services has complete information about the West Nile Virus and the spread in Missouri on the DHSS website: www.dhss.state.mo.us. Additional information may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control?s website at www.cdc.gov. Brochures and fact sheets about West Nile Virus are available at the Grundy County Health Department, 17616 Lincoln St. in Trenton.