Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Contact: Aftab Hussain, Environmental Health Bureau 703-228-5597 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington Reports First Bird Infected with West Nile Virus
ARLINGTON, VA -- Arlington County public health officials reported today that a crow, recently collected from the 5000 block of North 28th Street, is the first bird to test positive for West Nile virus in Arlington this year.
“Detection of the virus in a crow is not unexpected because mosquitoes have previously tested positive for West Nile virus this year throughout Arlington County,” said Aftab “Shaw” Hussain, with the Arlington County Public Health Division.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Mosquitoes are the bridge animal that transmits the disease from birds to humans. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile virus.
The discovery of the infected bird is a reminder that the virus persists in this area. County public health officials remind residents that they should avoid bare-handed contact with any dead animals, and should use gloves or cover their hands with an inverted plastic bag before picking up a bird carcass. For instructions on reporting and disposing of a dead bird, call the Animal Welfare League of Arlington at 703-931-9241.
County public health officials also continue to advise all Arlington residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Residents are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants and to use mosquito repellant. The Environmental Health Bureau has stepped up West Nile virus surveillance and control throughout Arlington County.
For more information about West Nile virus, please visit the Arlington County government website.
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Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
