Testing of blood samples from birds and mosquitoes will be conducted by the state and local health departments. Dead birds, especially crows and blue jays, will be analyzed for the virus. A preliminary report by a task force assembled to fight the mosquito-spread virus recommended communities spray aggressively for mosquitoes. Change water in bird baths and wading pools once a week. Clean out gutters.
Place covers over cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, fire barrels, rain barrels and tubs.
Get rid of old tires. Fill drained tree holes with a urethane foam and eliminate water-holding stumps Keep grass mowed around ponds and keep the clippings out of the water. Do not overwater lawns. Repair leaky outside faucets. Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish.