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7.26.2001 12:00
Third bird found
infected with
West Nile virus
• However, officials will not spray a mosquito-killing insecticide, because they say bird infection does not mean an increased risk to humans.
BY FELICE J. FREYER
Journal Medical Writer
A dead crow collected in Coventry last week has tested positive for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, the third bird known to have died of the illness this year in Rhode Island.
Unlike last year, however, the discovery of the infected bird will not lead to the spraying of mosquito-killing insecticide, because it has been learned that a bird infection does not indicate increased risk to humans.
Instead, additional mosquito traps will be placed in the area where the dead bird was found to test for the virus among mosquitoes. Residents are encouraged to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Spraying will be recommended only when a team of mosquito-control experts determines there is a substantial risk to the public.
West Nile virus, which was first found on this continent in 1999, has been progressing as expected this year, said Malcolm Grant, associate director of the state Department of Environmental Management. West Nile causes mild flu-like symptoms in most people who are affected by it, but sometimes can cause a deadly inflammation of the brain, particularly in the elderly.
The DEM has been collecting and testing mosquitoes from around the state but so far has not found one that has been infected.
Two dead birds, in Charlestown and Warwick, tested positive for the virus about a month ago.
Last year, the first bird infected with West Nile virus was a crow found in Warwick on Aug. 15. A total of 88 infected birds were identified last year.
"We haven't had any rude suprises so far this year," Grant said. "I think we were a little surprised to see those two birds so early . . . but we were mollified because there wasn't anything after that for quite some time."
Meanwhile, cities and towns last month distributed chemicals that kill mosquito larvae in catch basins and other potential breeding grounds on public land. A second application is scheduled soon.
People who see crows, bluejays or hawks that appear sick -- such as staggering or tilting the head -- or that have been dead less than 48 hours and have no obvious signs of injury can call the DEM's bird hot line at 788-3698.
For information about protection from mosquitoes, call the Department of Health's Family Health Information Line at (800) 942-7434 during business hours.
You can also get recorded information from the DEM at 222-2793 or visit these Web sites: www.state.ri.us/dem and www.healthri.org.
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