Bird survey will measure West Nile
The Brattleboro Reformer reports that this month the Vermont Department of Health will starting its program of collecting and testing dead birds to track the spread of the West Nile Virus. According to state epidemiologist Patsy Tassler, "It is important to have current data [on the disease] in case there are reports of human cases." Indeed, the state wants to know if the risk to Vermonters might be increasing.
Last year, "370 birds were collected across the state, 55 were tested, and the three that tested positive were all found in Windham County." Tassler stressed that these results do not mean that Windham County is the only Vermont county with infected birds. "In past years West Nile has been found all over Vermont." Tassler concluded, "The 2007 data are probably more of an indication of how many birds were reported in the southeastern part of the state."
VCF Staff
West Nile virus found in Addison county mosquito pool
Vermont Public Radio reports that "the Vermont Health Department says a number of mosquitoes trapped in Addison county last week were carriers of the West Nile virus." The virus "is spread from infected birds to mosquitoes and can be passed to humans." Notably, "only one out of five people who are infected with the virus experience symptoms and most symptoms are mild. But West Nile virus can cause high fever and lead to the development of potentially fatal illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis."