August 09, 2000

West Nile Virus Update

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Broome County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham, Binghamton Mayor Richard A. Bucci and Charles H. Wolford, Broome County Public Health Director, announced Monday afternoon August 9, 2000, that the New York State Health Department Laboratory confirmed evidence of West Nile Virus in an American crow found in the City of Binghamton.

Since late Monday the Department has received 300 phone calls, the majority concerned with what to do with dead birds. Dead birds, especially crows, should be reported during working hours by calling 607.778.2887. To report dead birds after working hours or on the weekend, residents should call the Broome County Dispatcher at 607.778.1911. Dispatchers will have a Health Department staff member contact you.

Mr. Kraham continues to urge county residents to take the following "habitat control" steps to reduce breeding sites of the mosquitoes associated with the transmission of West Nile Virus:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots or other items that hold water;
• Remove all discarded tires from your property;
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins kept outdoors;
• Clean clogged rain gutters;
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use;
• Change water in birdbaths at least every four days;
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds;
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain pool covers; and
• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates.

Dr. Alan Wabrek, Medical Director, Broome County Department of Health, urged residents not to overreact. "We do have to keep this in perspective, fewer than one percent of people who are infected will become seriously ill."

Broome County is initiating adult mosquito surveillance, which includes documenting species and distribution and initiating larval mosquito control in catch basins throughout Broome County with the cooperation of all municipalities. The goal of these actions is to minimize human exposure and interrupt the transmission cycle of the West Nile Virus.

Additional information about the West Nile Virus is available at the New York State Department of Health's website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/west_nile_virus/

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