West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is an illness that is spread by mosquitoes. Most people who get West Nile Virus (WNV) have only mild flu-like symptoms - or no symptoms at all. Severe illness is most common in older people and people in poor health. To protect yourself from WNV take the following precautions:

Stay indoors when mosquitoes are likely to bite - at dusk, dawn or after a rain shower.

If you must go out, remember to wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, avoid wearing sandals, and avoid damp grassy areas.

Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to the manufacturers instructions, when necessary to be outdoors.

To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, reduce or eliminate stagnant water.

Reporting of Dead Crows

The New York State Health Department is using dead crow sightings and laboratory testing of birds to help track West Nile Virus. Although not all crows need to be tested, certain selected samples will be sent for testing. Please note that the dead crow, itself, cannot transmit West Nile Virus to people or pets. The collection and testing of dead crows is part of an early warning system to determine whether West Nile Virus is present and/or spreading in a certain area.

To report a dead crow, call Hamilton County Public Health at (518) 648-6497.

You will be asked the following information about the dead crow:

It's exact location, including street address, town and zip code. If this information is not known, be as exact as possible by providing cross streets, landmarks and town.

The date you observed the dead crow and its condition. Was it fresh, decomposing or damaged in some way?

Based on your answers to these questions, the public health department staff will decide whether the crow is suitable for testing.

If the public health staff determines that the crow is needed for testing, it will be picked up within 36 hours. Keep the bird in a cool place, but do not freeze, until it is picked up. If the crow is not retrieved within 36 hours, it can be discarded. Be sure to take precautions when handling a dead crow:

Wear thick gloves.

Double-bag the crow.

Bury it three feet deep or place it in the trash for removal.

The State Health Department greatly appreciates the assistance of all residents who report dead crows. This information is vital to our efforts to understand West Nile Virus. For more information on West Nile Virus and the "Fight The Bite" campaign, visit the department's web site at: www.health.state.ny.us.