Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Health
Text Size

West Nile Virus Linked To Park

Dead Bird Contracts Virus

POSTED: Wednesday, May 21, 2003
UPDATED: 5:37 pm CDT May 21, 2003

HOUSTON -- A dead bird that contracted West Nile virus was found in Hermann Park, News2Houston reported Wednesday.

VIDEO
May 21: Officials Warn Houstonians To Protect Themselves Against Virus
May 15: Doctors Warn Residents To Kill Mosquitoes
INFORMATION
West Nile Map, Transmission Cycle
Overview
Prevention
Insecticide Tips
Virus In Horses
Worried About West Nile Virus?
Preventive Measures?
Discuss: Virus Overblown?
RESOURCES
Dead Bird Drop-Off Sites
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
Texas Health Department
Q&A: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Facts
CDC Hot Line:
(888) 246-2675

"The grackle is a large bird. Some people get them mixed up with a crow. They're around by the hundreds. They're some of the birds that you hear in trees, especially in the evening that make so much noise," said Dr. Ray Parsons, with Mosquito Control.

The bird was found on May 2.

Health department officials urge Houstonians to bring insect repellant when visiting the park, since mosquitoes transmit the virus.

It's the second bird with the disease found in Harris County. The other dead bird was a mourning dove.

Some experts predict West Nile virus could be worse this year than last.

"The only thing we're a little concerned about this year here is starting over a month early in the bird population. And we'll probably start finding some positive mosquitoes," Parsons said.

He said that the dry weather could be a contributing factor. Any water sitting in storm drains serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"The water goes down in the storm sewers. There's vegetation down in there that either comes naturally or people blow it in there, which they shouldn't do. This is where it pockets and culex (mosquitoes) breed. (If) we get a heavy rain, it will actually flush out the mosquitoes temporarily," Parsons said.

West Nile virus began in the United States on the East Coast and reached Texas for the first time in 2002, causing 202 confirmed human infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blamed West Nile encephalitis for more than a dozen deaths in Texas.

Five people died from West Nile virus last year in Harris County.

To help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, residents should do the following.
  • Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
  • Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
  • Use mosquito repellent when outdoors. Use repellent according to the label, which is less than 10 percent DEET for children.
  • Eliminate standing water, old tires, cans and blocked gutters from property.
  • Maintain swimming pools. Empty, invert or cover swimming pools when not in use.
  • Keep birdbaths clean. Change the water at least once a week.
  • To control mosquitoes inside a house, use a "flying insect spray."

There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis.

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Humans
  • Flulike illness, with moderate to high fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness or joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Possible seizures
  • Paralysis
  • Respiratory symptoms

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Animals
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Convulsions

Anyone who finds a dead bird should drop it off at the Health Department for evaluation. Click here for the locations or call (713) 440-4800.

Previous Stories:


Copyright 2007 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

It is important to make sure your will is sorted out in the best way possible for you and your family. Here are ten things to consider when writing a will. More

For CPAP supplies to work effectively, they should be replaced regularly. Reduce the risks of death and qualify to renew your supplies. More

Times are tough right now and as more and more people lose their jobs or are forced to take pay cuts, finding affordable health insurance can be tough. More

Severe Weather
Affected Counties

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

    • Texas License Plate Gets New Look

      Texas license plates have a new look and another character, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • Captain: Help Solve Daughter's Killing

      Selestino TorresA Houston Fire Department captain asked for the public's help finding the man suspected of killing his daughter, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • Pastor Accused Of Sex Assault

      Darrell Dean DunnA pastor from Crosby is accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school, KPRC Local 2 reports.

    • Pelosi Shuts Down Jackson Resolution

      House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shuts the door to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.

    • 1,400 Arrested In South Texas

      U.S. marshals and police arrest more than 1,400 fugitives and cleared 1,654 warrants during a monthlong cooperative between federal, state, and local law enforcement in South Texas.

  • VideosClick to Expand

    • Local 2 Investigates: Inside Bar Raid

      July 8, 2009: A bar that's had its liquor license pulled and where police have looked for sex trafficking victims is raided, KPRC Local 2 Investigates reports.

    • Pastor Accused Of Fondling Students

      Darrell Dean DunnJuly 9, 2009: A pastor from Crosby has been accused of sexually abusing two boys who attended his church's school. Phil Archer reports.

    • Man Lies About Military Heroics

      July 9, 2009: A Houston man's military heroics were fabricated. Alana Gomez Dong reports.

    • Jewelry Stolen From Homes

      July 8, 2009: Detectives believe a group of thieves has been breaking into homes and stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry. Elizabeth Scarborough reports.

    • 3 Arrested In Purse Snatchings

      July 8, 2009: Several law enforcement agencies in Montgomery County have seen a rash of purse snatchings. Three people have been arrested. Ryan Korsgard reports.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

Marketplace
Set as Homepage | Back To Top | SearchSearch
Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc. Internet Broadcasting   Partners:   CNN   washingtonpost.com   NBC   MSNBC
©2009, Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc.

Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use  |  Advertising  |  Microsoft MapPoint Terms of Use  |  Microsoft Privacy Statement  |  Site Map