West Nile virus found in local bird; no human cases in county so far.

Byline: Tim Christie The Register-Guard

West Nile virus is back in Lane County, detected in a dead crow that was found in Springfield, Lane County Public Health officials said Wednesday.

While Lane County has yet to see its first human case of the disease since it was found in the United States seven years ago, Oregon is experiencing a dramatic upsurge this year.

As of Wednesday, state health officials have confirmed 60 human cases of West Nile virus this year, said Dr. Emilio DeBess, state public health veterinarian. That's a 650 percent increase from the eight human cases reported last year.

Most of the human cases have occurred in Eastern Oregon, led by Malheur County with 48 cases. Malheur County borders Idaho, which has had 817 human cases of West Nile virus this year - the most of any state, by far. Fifteen Idahoans have died from West Nile complications this year.

DeBess said the disease is likely to continue its inexorable western migration, if not this year, then next.

Lane County has had just a handful of bird cases. Two birds tested positive for the virus in 2004, and one tested positive last year. No horses or humans have tested positive here.

The crow found in a residential yard in the Gateway area of Springfield was the first of 16 birds checked this year in Lane County to test positive for the virus, said Tamara Wilhite, West Nile virus coordinator for Lane County Public Health. "It means West Nile virus is in the area, and there are mosquitos infected with it," Wilhite said.

To reduce the risk of West Nile virus, Wilhite urged residents to eliminate sources of standing water around their homes.

She said people should avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active. If they do go out, they should wear long sleeves and long pants or wear mosquito repellent, she said.

Repellents with DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The mosquito season will continue until the weather turns cold, Wilhite said.

Most people who get infected by West Nile virus - 80 percent - will not exhibit any symptoms. About 20 percent will develop what's known as West Nile fever, with symptoms that can include fever, headache, body ache, nausea, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rash.

About 1 percent will develop serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis or both.

Of the 60 human cases this year in Oregon, 54 suffered West Nile fever, with fever, headache and malaise lasting up to three weeks, and six suffered neurological diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis, DeBess said.

WEST NILE VIRUS Lane County Public Health is testing dead jays or crows for West Nile virus as long as the birds have been dead for less than 24 hours and did not die from traumatic injuries.

To report a dead bird, call 682-3497 with the address of where the bird was found and a return phone number.