These birds are particularly vulnerable to the mosquito-borne virus and their deaths can be a sign that West Nile carrying mosquitos are in the area.

Over the next three months, dead birds reported will be collected for laboratory testing for West Nile virus if they are deemed suitable candidates for testing, health officials said.

To be tested, the bird must be a crow, raven, jay, or magpie, dead for less than 24 hours, and have no visible trauma or decay.

West Nile virus was not detected in King County last year, but it was present in previous years, health officials said.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting an infected bird that carries the virus.

Photo: Cynthia Goldsmith - CDC

West Nile virus is not spread by person-to-person contact, nor is it transmitted directly from birds or other animals to people. Mosquito season, when West Nile virus is of most concern, runs from spring through late fall.

Most people infected with the virus have no or only mild symptoms, but the infection can be severe, even fatal, with virus attacking the brain and spinal cord. People over 50 years are the most vulnerable to serious infection.

Last year, more than 1,000 cases of West Nile virus infections were reported nationwide, of whom 57 died.

Horses are also susceptible to West Nile virus infection, which can result in severe disease or death, health officials said, and horse owners should contact their veterinarian because a vaccine is available for horses.

To report a dead crow, raven, jay, or magpie to public health officials call 206-205-4394 or report the bird online.

How to prevent infection

Protect yourself from mosquitoes by eliminating their breeding habitat:

The mosquito most responsible for West Nile virus in our area is the northern house mosquito Culex pipiens, which prefers to lay eggs in standing water common around most houses. Even small amounts of water, such as in plant saucers or a clogged gutter, can produce many mosquitoes. Remove this habitat to reduce the number of mosquitoes near your home:

• Tip out containers that collect water, including barrels, buckets, wheelbarrows, bottles, wading pools, birdbaths, animal troughs and plant saucers

• Dump water off of tarps and plastic sheeting and get rid of used tires

• Clean garden ponds, circulate water in fountains and cover rain barrels with mosquito screens

• Clean leaf-clogged gutters and repair leaky outdoor faucets

• Repair ripped windows and door screens and make sure they fit tight so adult mosquitoes can’t get into your home

• Help elderly neighbors with these actions

• Avoid getting bitten when mosquitoes are out by wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Consider using an insect repellent. Information about safe and effective repellents may be found at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm

To learn more:

• Find more information at www.kingcounty.gov/health/westnile

The virus is spread to birds, humans, horses, and other animals by mosquito bites.

Dead birds can serve as an early warning sign that mosquitoes carrying the virus are in an area.

Health officials are particularly interested in crows, jays, magpies, ravens and raptors, since these species are particularly vulnerable to West Nile virus infections.

To learn how to how to safely handle and report a dead bird go to the King County West Nile website, where you can find an online reporting form, or call 206-205-4394.

West Nile virus appears to be on the rise, infecting 38 people statewide last year.

West Nile infection can be very serious, and even fatal, for some people, Washington State health officials warn:

While most people bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus don’t become ill, some may have mild to severe flu-like symptoms. A few may develop a serious neurological disease. People over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness.

To reduce your risk of infection, health officials advice that you avoid mosquito bites and clear your property of standing water where mosquitos breed:

• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).

• Make sure screens on doors and windows are working properly.

• Cover exposed skin with light-colored clothing when outside in the evening.

• Use an effective repellent on exposed skin. Always follow the directions on the label.

• Reduce mosquito larvae habitat around the home by dumping standing water.

• Change water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, animal troughs, and other sources twice a week.

To learn more:

• Visit the King County West Nile virus website.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) West Nile virus website.

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