[Submitted by Police Chief Rob Lawson] The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has received a second positive report for West Nile Virus (WNV) from a grackle collected in Toms River on July 13th. “Ocean County has submitted a total of 24 birds during the 2010 season and 2 have tested positive for WNV, both from Toms River,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. He continued, “Common grackles are blackbirds that look like they’ve been slightly stretched. They’re taller and longer -tailed than a typical blackbird, with a longer, more tapered bill and glossy-iridescent bodies.”

Leslie Terjesen, OCHD Public Information Officer stated, “Summertime is a great time for people to enjoy the outdoor weather, but we need to beware that this season also brings out mosquitoes. People need to make sure they are either covered up or use mosquito repellent, making sure you always read the directions if applying to children.” Jennifer Crawford, OCHD Communicable Disease Supervisor, stated “The Health Department responds to calls regarding dead birds. Over the past few years, we have typically
seen birds from the corvid family, such as crows and blue jays, affected by WNV but we know that other birds are susceptible to WNV. Grackles do not belong to the corvid family. If a bird tests positive locally, that is an indication that the virus is present in Ocean County. So far, Ocean County has submitted 24 birds, with 2 testing positive for WNV. These are the only 2 positive birds, so far, in New Jersey but Ocean County is extremely diligent in responding to calls and picking up birds. Statewide, 49 birds have been submitted for testing for WNV. There are also surveillance reports on mosquito pools, which can be a collection of up to 70 mosquitoes of one species. Statewide, 1,458 mosquito pools have been submitted with 39 testing positive for WNV. There were 111 pool submissions from Ocean County with one testing positive for WNV.”

“This is usually the time of the year that the first cases of WNV begin to be confirmed around the state,” said Freeholder Little, “County residents can help the Health Departmentcontrol WNV by reporting dead birds that they find on their property by calling the department at 732-341-9700, ext. 7502 or toll free at 1-800-342-9738, ext. 7502.”

Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Assistant Public Health Coordinator, said, “Due to the condition of some dead birds, not all birds can be tested to see if they were infected with WNV. But locations of all dead crows or blue jays are monitored by the Ocean County Mosquito Commission.”
Regenye continued, “Most human WNV infections produce no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms that include fever, headache and body aches and may be accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More dangerous conditions among the young or elderly and persons with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems have been reported.”

“Homeowners can help curb the mosquito population by keeping their lawns and bushes trimmed, change water frequently in bird baths and kiddie wading pools, remove old tires and other yard debris that can store standing water and keep roof gutters clean of leaves and other matter,” said Terjesen. “WNV is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito; therefore, on-going elimination of mosquito breeding is the key to prevention of WNV transmission. Residents’ participation in the elimination of standing water around the home is critically important.

Terjesen added that uncollected birds are not considered to be a health hazard and can be disposed of as regular trash. Residents handling any dead animal or bird should wear gloves. In addition to eliminating standing water around the home, residents should take the following precautions:
• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when possible.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever outdoors, weather permitting.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good condition.
• When going outside, use an insect repellent containing DEET on skin or clothing, or a
repellent containing permethrin on clothing. DO NOT use repellants on children less than 3
years old. ALWAYS USE REPELLANTS ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS ON THE
LABEL.