Those are a few of the words I like to use when describing mosquitos.
Here is additional information about the find of two dead birds in Multnomah county straight from the press release.
Two dead corvids (crows and jays) found in Multnomah County have tested positive for West Nile virus, public health officials in Multnomah County and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed today.
"We've been expecting West Nile virus to appear in Multnomah County at any time, so this is not a surprise," says Emilio DeBess, Public Health Veterinarian with Oregon's Department of Human Services. "This does not necessarily mean that we expect to see human cases any time soon. But, it does mean that people need to take precautions against mosquitoes."
West Nile Virus is a viral infection of birds. It is spread when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites a human. Birds cannot transmit the disease to humans, nor can it be transmitted through person-to-person contact.
"Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms or a mild, flu-like illness," states Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Public Health Officer. "Less than one percent of infected individuals will develop brain or nervous system illness such as meningitis or encephalitis. The infection is more serious for people over the age of 50, and perhaps also in people with suppressed immune systems. We are encouraging people to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from infection," adds Oxman.
The best defense against West Nile virus is for individuals to protect themselves from mosquito bites, De Bess says. He advises people to take five simple steps:
Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. Make sure gutters drain well, change birdbath water at least weekly, and get rid of old tires or buckets in your yard;
Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active;
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing when you are outdoors;
Wear insect repellent, preferably one that contains DEET. Follow label directions when using any repellent, especially for children;
Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
Oregon officials have been monitoring mosquitoes and birds for the appearance of West Nile virus since 2000. Vector control districts throughout the state routinely collect mosquito specimens and maintain flocks of sentinel chickens, both of which are tested regularly by the Oregon Public Health Laboratory.
Health officials are testing crows, jays, and magpies that have been dead for less than 24 hours. If people find a dead bird and are concerned about what to do with it, they should call their local health department or vector control agency. In Multnomah County, the public can report dead birds on the Health Department's Vector and Nuisance Control website at http://www.mchealth.org/vector/ or by calling 503-988-NILE.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Web at http://www.dhs.state.or.us/publichealth/acd/wnile/index.cfm or by calling the statewide toll-free information line at 1-866-703-4636.
So, the things we do that they love?? Make ourselves an easy meal, wear perfumes and scented lotions, loosely woven clothes that allow the bites to go right through.. you get the idea.
What can we do that they hate? Well, DEET for starters, but if you're not a fan of the stuff you can also make sure to wear lighter colored clothing, long sleeves/long legs on pants.. thicker weave to keep more of the bites from penetrating... loose fitting. Why the little buggers dislike light-colored clothing I have no idea, but they do.
Okay, off to make dinner (I'm writing this from home after working the morning shift today). I'll let you know if I burn the house down. :-)
sstricklen@kgw.com
