2nd Maine case of West Nile virus detected Officials confirm crow found in Surry infected

SURRY – A dead bird found in Surry on Aug. 7 has tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The crow is the second confirmed case of the virus in Maine this year, Department of Human Services spokesman Newell Augur said Friday.

The first case was documented last month when a dead blue jay in Orono was found to be infected with the virus.

“This is not something that came unexpectedly,” Augur said. “Officials expected the virus to be introduced further into the state than it was last year and are trying to take effective preventive procedures to make sure everyone knows there are steps they can take to reduce the risks of attracting the virus.”

Last year, all seven cases of West Nile virus were found in York and Cumberland counties, Augur said. This year, the introduction of the virus has penetrated farther east and north, earlier in the season.

“But by the same token, this is not a cause for panic,” Augur said. “The vast majority of mosquitoes in our state are not carrying this virus.”

Although the virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, horses and people, no cases of West Nile virus among humans in Maine have been detected thus far.

A vaccine for horses is available. Those interested in more information should contact their local veterinarians.No vaccine for the virus exists for humans; however, precautions can be taken to reduce the likelihood of becoming infected by the disease. Public health officials suggest using mosquito repellents containing DEET.

The repellent has some potential side effects, especially for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents used on children contain no more than 10 percent DEET. Adults should apply the repellent and avoid children’s faces and hands. For adults, only repellents with 30 percent DEET or less should be used, public health officials say.

The virus poses a definite threat to birds. Both birds found in Maine were identified under the state’s dead bird reporting line. Last year, the state detected the virus in seven of 600 birds collected under the reporting system.

“The most effective way for the department to track the introduction of West Nile virus in the state is through the reporting of dead birds,” the spokesman said. He encourages people who find dead birds on their property to contact epidemiologists at (888) 697-5846.

According to the most recent national figures, the nationwide death toll from the rapidly spreading West Nile virus reached 11 last week with the death of a 78-year-old Louisiana man.