The Oswego County Health Department received notice today that the West Nile virus was present in a crow found in Oswego County submitted to New York State for testing. According to Michael Rosen, Deputy Commissioner, Oswego County Health Department, the infected bird was found in the area of Southwest Oswego, east of Ontario Orchards. The bird was submitted to the New York State for testing on Aug. 14. This is the first bird that has tested positive in the county.
Wild birds appear to be the principal host of the West Nile Virus.
The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito to a live bird or mammal. There is no evidence of the virus being transmitted directly from birds to humans. Given the lack of positive mosquito pools, low resident population density of the area, environmental habitat, and proximity to water, the department does not plan to immediately begin spraying with pesticides. According to State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, less than one percent of humans infected with West Nile Virus will become seriously ill with symptoms that require hospitalization. Severe infection is marked by the rapid onset of a high fever, headache and body aches.