Consider the use of mosquito repellent when it s necessary to be outdoors. Counties surrounding Essex Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington all previously had birds testing positive for West Nile. Lazzari declared a public-health threat in Essex County on Aug. 11 because of the situation in surrounding counties. West Nile virus is spread by bites of infected mosquitoes, and birds such as crows are especially susceptible and usually die. The majority of people who are infected either exhibit no symptoms or very mild ones, such as a headache, low-grade fever or body aches, Lazzari said.
Severe infections occur in a very small number of people and include rapid onset of a high fever.
Those who may be most susceptible to West Nile virus are the very young and very old and people with impaired immune systems. To protect its residents, the Town of Schroon has already been doing truck-based spraying for mosquitoes, Supervisor Cathy Moses said. We took the first step already and did roadside spraying. We took some heat from the public, but I think we did the right thing. She said Essex County will have a plan in place for spring 2001 to fight mosquito infestation.