New York was the epicenter of the virus last year and has seen the virus spread this year to counties well outside last year's affected area. In Dutchess County, the virus was confirmed in a blue jay from Wappinger Falls, and the Putnam County bird specimen was a house sparrow submitted from the town of Southeast. West Nile virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms, headache and fever, to severe illness. In the most serious cases, infection can result in encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. To date in 2000, there have been no confirmed human cases of encephalitis caused by West Nile virus, although the State Health Department continually tests for West Nile virus in encephalitis cases for which there is no known cause.
Birds serve as the reservoir for West Nile virus, after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Because the virus may well be in parts of the State where it has yet to be confirmed, Dr. Novello urged all New Yorkers to be vigilant about personal protection. The State will also purchase television time in the Capital Region, Syracuse and Buffalo television markets to air the spot. That message, which features several children and adults working together to remove standing water and items that collect water from around the home, also has been running as a public service announcement since late March. All last month, the 'Fight the Bite' message was carried on more than 200 movie screens from Dutchess County to Long Island, as part of a multi-media effort funded through New York State's West Nile virus response plan. Brochures, fact sheets, posters, stickers and other novelty items and various educational materials also support the public awareness effort.