Hosted By Truman Medical Centers, Inc.
Hosted By Truman Medical Centers, Inc. |
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West Nile Virus News Back to Jackson County Health West Nile page July 29, 2004 BIRD TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE IN EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY KANSAS CITY, MO - The Jackson County Health Department (JACOHD) has confirmed that two dead birds have tested positive for the West Nile virus, a crow in Lee’s Summit, MO and a blue jay in Raytown, MO. The health department is no longer testing dead birds. To date, there are still no reported cases of West Nile virus in humans in the county. The Health Department is cautioning residents to take precaution to prevent infection with the virus. Mosquitoes carrying the disease can infect humans when they bite, so the best protection is to prevent contact with mosquitoes. “As with many diseases, prevention is the simplest and most effective way to combat the spread of West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Paula Livingston, Director of the Jackson County Health Department. People can reduce their chance of exposure to infected mosquitoes by taking preventive steps, such as eliminating all standing water, especially in tires, buckets and other water-holding objects; avoiding mosquito infested areas; wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes especially at dawn, dusk and early evening hours at peak mosquito biting times; using insect repellents that contain DEET and carefully following product instructions. For more information, residents of Eastern Jackson County can contact JACOHD by calling 816-404-6415 or by visiting its website at www.jacohd.org For more information, contact the TMC Office of Public Relations and
Marketing at 816-404-3785. |