News Release

August 16, 2002                                (937) 374-5626 or 1-866-858-3588

GREENE COUNTY COMBINED HEALTH DISTRICT

STOPS DEAD BIRD COLLECTION

Greene County Combined Health District’s Health Commissioner, Mark A. McDonnell, announced today that the health district would no longer pick up dead birds that may have been exposed to the West Nile Virus. The Ohio Department of Health confirmed that Greene County does have birds that are infected with the countywide. Residents should dispose of dead birds by placing them in a plastic bag and putting them into a trash container.

The Ohio Department of Health reports that the West Nile Virus has been found in 80 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Two probable human cases have been reported. A 26 year-old Columbus male was hospitalized at the Ohio State University Hospital and was released in good condition. A 76 year-old Cuyahoga County female is hospitalized at Southwest General Hospital and is in poor condition

Health Commissioner McDonnell encourages Greene County residents to practice these prevention methods: Personal Prevention Measures: avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn; when outdoors wear light colored clothing, shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves; use mosquito repellant that contains DEET according to package directions; if using repellants on children, be sure to use a products that are recommended for children’s use. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: keep rain gutters clean of debris; cover open boats; repair leaking watering equipment; store items that can hold water more than a few days; prevent old tires from collecting water; keep swimming pools clean/covered; eliminate water collecting depression in tarps; clean bird baths once a week, keep ornamental pots and plant saucers free of standing water; keep windows and doors closed and make sure screens are in good repairs; and work with elderly neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their property.

There is a West Nile Virus vaccine available for horses, but not for people.

For more information on West Nile Virus, contact Greene County Combined Health District, Environmental Health Division, (937) 374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.

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