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Environmental Health Program
West Nile is a public health concern. We expect limited exposure in Lincoln County, yet people need to take steps for protection. (Esta página en Español) – This site is updated as of September 13, 2007 – Contact Information: Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department is working and other health officials are working to prepare Lincoln County for the arrival of West Nile Virus, to minimize the of impact the virus in Lincoln County through education, surveillance, and prevention measures. On this page, you will view detailed information about West Nile Virus, including how it is spread, symptoms, risk information, as well as prevention and control measures. Q: Is West Nile Virus present in Lincoln County and in Oregon at this time? In Lincoln County on September 6, 2007 a dead crow tested positive for West Nile Virus. The dead crow was found in Beverly Beach State Park just north of Newport. Last Year on September 26, 2006 the first animal case of West Nile Virus in Lincoln County was identified in a crow. The crow was found dead in Lincoln Beach near Depoe Bay. On October 4, 2006, a second animal case was identified in a crow found in Newport. Lincoln County Environmental Health Department is continuing to conduct a dead bird surveillance program to detect for the virus (see below for "What is the Lincoln County plan for West Nile Surveillance" for more info). Q: What is West Nile Virus? The majority of people and animals that are infected with the virus have a mild illness or no symptoms. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. The elderly have a higher risk for the disease caused by WN virus. 
Q: How do people and animals get West Nile Virus? Humans do not pass the West Nile virus to other humans. Evidence suggests there is a possibility of acquiring WN virus through blood transfusion or organ transplants from an infected donor. It has also been found in breast milk of affected mothers but these findings do not suggest a change in breastfeeding recommendations. There is no documented evidence of bird or animal-to-person transmission. However, it is still a good idea to avoid barehanded contact with any dead birds or animals and to use gloves, a shovel, and double plastic bags to dispose of or transport a carcass. In northern states of the United States of America, where WN virus is present, the virus is most prevalent from May to October (when mosquitoes are most abundant). Most people who are infected with WN virus have no symptoms at all. It has been estimated that 1 in 150 people who are infected with WN virus will require hospitalization. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, seizures, muscle weakness, paralysis and rarely death. The time between a mosquito bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 3-14 days in humans. The elderly are particularly susceptible to clinical illness caused by WN virus. There is no known specific treatment for infection with WN virus although supportive care is required.
The vaccines available for horses are strongly recommended by the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Health Division, Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department, and Lincoln County veterinarians. West Nile Virus Prevention and ControlTo decrease exposure to mosquitos and the infections they carry:
"Mosquito Hygiene": Egg, Larval, and Pupal StagesBreeding site "source reduction":
Life cycle disruption:Eggs, larvae & pupae live in standing, stagnate water:
Adult Stage:
Q: What is the Lincoln County plan for West Nile surveillance? Persons who find a dead crow or jay are requested to call Lincoln County Environmental Health (at 541-265-4127) to discuss laboratory analysis for West Nile Virus. The crow or jay would have to be freshly dead (dead less than 24 hours; no maggots, etc; and dead not because of obvious physical trauma/injury). Note: Do not handle dead crows or jays with bare hands; use protective gloves. Keep the dead bird double bagged, and cold. Weekends, double bag and freeze or "ice" the bird(s); make the report call on Monday. Mosquito Control: Control methods such as spraying programs would only be considered if a high risk situation in Lincoln County has been firmly established. Spraying would be very, very unlikely in wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, however. If spraying programs were ever necessary, on a limited basis, licensed & trained personnel would be necessary, and approvals for spraying would have to be obtained from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and also the Oregon Health Division.
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Lincoln County Health & Human Services
36 SW Nye Street • Newport, Oregon 97365 • Public Health – tel: (541) 265-4112 • fax: (541) 265-4945 Environmental Health – tel: (541) 265-4127 • fax: (541) 574-6252 Behavioral Health – tel: (541) 265-4179 • fax: (541) 265-4194 |
Q: Which animals get West Nile Virus?
Birds: Wild birds are the animals from which the mosquito vector primarily acquires the virus. Infection has been reported in more than 100 bird species. Although many birds that are infected with WN virus will not appear ill, WN virus infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illnesses are seen among the corvid birds, which include crows, jays, ravens, and magpies. American crows constitute the majority of birds reported dead due to WN virus.
Horses: Horses are susceptible to WN virus. The disease does not seem to be specific to a particular breed or age of horse. Clinical signs of disease consist of central nervous system abnormalities similar to those caused by infection with eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and western equine encephalitis (WEE). EEE and WEE vaccines are available for horses and are recommended for use in the spring. An equine WN virus vaccine has become available for horses and is also recommended.
Reduce exposure to biting mosquitoes.
Apply mosquito repellents. Read label instructions and precautions prior to use. Pay attention to the type & concentration of "active ingredients" in the product. Use mosquito attractant devices for some situations.