2006 News

August 25, 2006

Hawk Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

The Bucks County Health Department is advising area residents that a red tail hawk has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first confirmed finding of West Nile Virus in Bucks County this year.

The Health Department advises that late summer is peak transmission time for the virus. Though birds cannot transmit West Nile directly to humans, mosquitoes that bite infected birds can then transmit the virus to humans. To protect yourself from the mosquitoes that spread the virus, the Health Department suggests that when outdoors, especially during dawn or dusk, apply an effective insect repellant. Lists of suggested insect repellants can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm. For added protection - long sleeves, long pants and socks help to cover skin susceptible to exposure.

 For additional information, contact Philip Smith, West Nile Virus coordinator for the Bucks County Health Department at 215-345-3334. Information is also available at the Bucks County website at: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/HumanServices/HealthDepartment/Environmental/WestNile.aspx