WHBF, IL
09-06-06
West Nile Virus Reaches Scott County
by Rachel Gabrielsen
SCOTT COUNTY, IA - A chicken in Scott County has tested positive for West
Nile. It's the first confirmed case of the virus in the county this year.
The infected bird is part of a group of chickens that county health officials
regularly test for the disease. The birds are kept in an outdoor pen where they're
exposed to mosquitos, which carry the virus.
Weekly blood samples are taken from the chickens and sent to Iowa State
University and one of the birds from the last batch tested positive for West Nile.
Health officials say it's a good reminder that we need to protest ourselves from
mosquito bites.they are susceptible to mosquito bites and diseases.
"The warning is that even though mosquito counts are down throughout the state
of Iowa, the prevalance of the mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus is
prevalent in our community and we need to make sure we protect ourselves,"
said health coordinator Larry Linnenbrink.
The Scott County Health Department officials say to wear light colored clothes,
little to no perfume, avoid stagnant water and try to stay inside during dawn and
dusk to avoid catching the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitos that feed on infected birds.