Contact Kim Billings
UNH Media Relations
603-862-1558

August 22, 2003

DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire was alerted by Durham town officials this morning that a dead crow has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Durham.

A public notice has been posted on the town’s Web site, www.ci.durham.nh.us, which is posted below.

According to Brad Manning, director of environmental health and safety at UNH, there is no significant public health threat. He says in areas where mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, less than 1% are infected, and of those mosquitoes that are infected, less than 1% of people bitten will become severely ill.

Symptoms would include fever, headache, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, or sensitivity to light develop. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately.

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety at UNH offers a brochure listing background, resources and treatment of WNV at www.unh.edu/ehs/BS, and scroll down to health and safety pamphlets.

Public Notice Issued by the Town of Durham

PUBLIC NOTICE – DEAD CROW TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN DURHAM

A dead crow found at the corner of Denbow Road and Pinecrest Lane and reported to the Durham Health Office on Monday, August 18, 2003, that was forwarded to Concord by the Town and subsequently tested by the State Department of Health and Human Services, has tested positive for West Nile Virus. As of August 21, 2003, statewide 100 birds had tested negative for West Nile virus; 35 birds had tested positive for West Nile virus; and 1 bird was unsatisfactory for testing. The Town asks residents to be aware of dead crows or blue jays around their homes or within their neighborhoods and to report these to Health Officer Tom Johnson at (603) 868-8064. Although Durham has been proactive in the monitoring of dead birds found and holds a permit to apply pesticides to spray for mosquitoes within standing water bodies if needed, the Town is not contemplating the application of pesticides or chemicals at this time as we understand the impact such application can have upon the ecosystem. For more information on West Nile Virus or to learn how to reduce the mosquito population around your home, call 1-866-273-NILE (6453) or look on the State DHHS Web site: http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/BCDCS/West+Nile+Virus/default.htm.

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