Currently, there are no positive human cases to report. Less than one percent of the people infected with the virus will have symptoms that require hospitalization. People most susceptible to the virus should try to avoid outdoor locations when and where mosquitoes are most active and feeding. With the presence of the West Nile virus now confirmed in counties throughout New York State, Governor Pataki directed State agencies to work together cooperatively, using their field resources, to help county health departments in the identification of dead birds, specifically American Crows, for testing. Health officials stress that dead bird reports are the best way of tracking the spread of West Nile virus, and they encourage New Yorkers who observe dead crows to contact their local health departments.
Crows are particularly vulnerable, and the vast majority of infected crows die.
For that reason, they are considered to be an important early warning sign that infection could be present in a specific area. The letter, which was sent to President Clinton and signed by Governor Pataki, specified that under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act federal assistance is needed in order to protect and save human lives. 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.