FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2006

CONTACT:

Nick Breault

Executive Secretary

Town of East Longmeadow

Phone (413) 525-5400 ext. 420

Fax (413) 525-1025

nbreault@eastlongmeadow.org

SECOND BIRD TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

The Board of Health today announced that it has been notified by the state that a Blue Jay found in East Longmeadow has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The bird was found on September 15, 2006 and was turned over to the state Department of Public Health. The state notified the Board of Health late Tuesday of the positive finding. This is the second positive finding in East Longmeadow.

East Longmeadow residents are asked to continue to report dead birds by calling the toll-free WNV Information Line, 1-866-627-7968 (1-866-MASS WNV). Residents may also call the East Longmeadow Board of Health at (413) 525-5400 extension 420.

The state will no longer test any birds that may be found in East Longmeadow this year. With a second positive the state considers WNV to be in the area and no additional testing will be done.

Residents that find a dead bird advised to wear gloves while disposing of it and to use a shovel to handle it. The Mass DPH advises disposing of the bird by burying it or by double bagging it and disposing of it in the trash.

More information about the mosquito-borne diseases found in Massachusetts, EEE and WNV is available at the following DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm. Information about WNV is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at

1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).

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The East Longmeadow Board of Health and the Mass DPH encourage residents to continue to take measures to protect themselves:

• Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn). Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants if you’re out during dusk and dawn.
• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Always follow the directions on the label.
• If you are out in an area with ticks (and these ticks occur all across the state), then do daily tick checks on you and your children, and remove ticks carefully according to directions you can find on the DPH web site.
• Cover the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Cover a baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all doors and windows.
• Remove any standing pools of water around your home. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days.  Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths, etc.  Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

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