West Nile virus detected in dead crow found in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood

Public health officials report that a dead crow found in Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood on August 24th was infected with the West Nile virus.

The virus commonly infects birds and is spread by mosquitos, who can also transmit the virus to humans.

Most people infected by a mosquito virus will not become ill, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, but about 20 percent will develop an illness called West Nile Fever.

West Nile Virus / Photo: Cynthia Goldsmith, CDC

The typical symptoms of West Nile fever are fever, headache, fatigue and, occasionally, a rash on the trunk, swollen lymph nodes and eye pain.

However, a small proportion of people–about one in 150 who are infected–will develop severe disease in which the virus attacks the brain and nervous system.

Such infections can cause convulsions, coma, paralysis, permanent neurological injury and, sometimes, death.

The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to more severe infections.

It is the first time this year that the virus has been detected in King County.

“There are still mosquitoes outdoors during the cooler fall months, so protect yourself against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Sharon Hopkins, Public Health veterinarian for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The risk of contracting West Nile virus is not yet over for this season.”

To learn more:

• Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County’s West Nile information page, which includes information about how to avoid mosquito bites.
• Or call the Public Health – Seattle & King County West Nile hotline: 206-205-3883.
• Visit the Washington State Department of Health West Nile information Web page.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s insect bite prevention page.

If you find a dead bird report it by Public Health at 206-205-4394 or by reporting on-line at www.kingcounty.gov/health/westnile

Category: News, West Nile Virus