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Tucson Audubon Society (Article reprinted from the July-August 2003 issue of the Vermilion Flycatcher newsletter. To receive the newsletter in the mail, become a Friend of Tucson Audubon.) There is undoubtedly some concern among birders about West Nile virus. In short, you are not likely to be infected by it, and if you are you are not likely to get seriously ill. On the other hand, in a few cases it is serious or lethal. Below are a few facts about the virus and some basic precautions to take when you are in mosquito-infested areas. As of the end of 2002 there were no cases of West Nile virus in humans in Arizona or most of the Southwest (one case in California). New Mexico has detected infections in animals but not humans. Nationwide there have been 4,156 cases identified in humans and 284 deaths (about three-quarters of the fatalities were people over 60). Arizona is expecting to get its first cases this summer or fall. Exposure to West Nile virus comes from being bitten by mosquitoes. Birds and some other animals may carry the virus, but they are not dangerous to humans. Most people who are infected will not experience any symptoms at all. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 20% of those infected will develop West Nile fever. The symptoms of West Nile fever are mild, including fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes rashes and swollen lymph glands. It usually lasts a few days. The more serious West Nile encephalitis, or meningitis, is estimated to affect 1 in 150 of those infected with the virus. Symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. The following are basic precautions you should take. Remove standing water around your home. If you have a fountain or other small water feature, you can buy mosquito “dunks” or “chunks,” made of materials that prevent mosquitoes from reproducing (generally available at places like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or the A.M. Leonard mail order catalog). Mosquitoes reproduce in two to three days, so replace water in birdbaths every two days during mosquito season. Clean birdbaths thoroughly at least twice a week (you should do this anyway to reduce transmission of other diseases among birds). Any time you are in areas with mosquitoes (and especially at dawn or dusk), wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Since mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics, wear thicker clothing or apply onto your clothing repellants containing permethrin or DEET. (Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.) The CDC recommends applying a repellant containing DEET to exposed skin. There are other products that provide some protection, but they are either less effective or do not last as long. (Some repellants containing DEET do not refer to DEET on the label—look for “N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide” in the list of ingredients.) Cases of side effects from DEET are few, and are related to 1) ingesting it internally, 2) applying it to open cuts or sores, or 3) reapplying it repeatedly without washing skin. Safety precautions for applying DEET are as follows: wash skin between applications, do not apply under clothing, do not apply heavily, do not use aerosol sprays in enclosed areas, and do not spray onto face (spray hands and rub on face—avoiding eyes). For children, spray on your hands and rub it onto their exposed skin. Birders beware! DEET can “melt” plastics such as the housing and eyecups of cameras and binoculars, and might even damage lenses. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying DEET. Tucson Water is actively controlling mosquitoes at Sweetwater Wetland by applying larvicide every Monday morning. The wetlands are closed (to all but tour groups) on Mondays until about 1 p.m. (To arrange a tour, contact Joaquim Delgado at Tucson Water's Public Information Office, 791-4331.) The State of Arizona monitors West Nile virus (as well as Saint Louis encephalitis virus and western equine encephalitis virus). In Pima County, report dead birds or mosquito problems to Pima County Health Department, 740-2760. Do not report dead pigeons (Rock Doves) or birds that have been dead more than 24 hours (or that are decomposing). Bag and chill the bird if possible. For more information on West Nile virus, go to the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm, the Arizona Department of Health Services at www.hs.state.az.us/phs/oids/vector/wnv_surv.htm, or call the Pima County Health Department at 740-2760.
Bird questions? Check Birding | General questions? Contact: Tucson Audubon Society | Webmaster: Email This page was updated on 07/13/06 |