WEST NILE FOUND IN FREDERICK

Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick was informed today that a dead crow found on the Fort Detrick base was confirmed as testing positive for the West Nile Virus by the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Lab in Madison, Wisconsin. The bird was found in late July as part of Fort Detrick’s routine testing for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes and birds.

The City of Frederick urges residents to report any suspicious findings to the Frederick County Health Department. To date, two birds have tested positive in the Frederick area. To report a dead bird call 866-866-CROW (2769) or online at http://edcp.org/wn/html/wndeadbird.cfm.

Residents are urged to monitor any standing weather in their yards and gardens. Standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents are also encouraged to take the following steps to help minimize the mosquito population:

· Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.

· Cover rain barrels with netting.

· Remove old tires or drill holes in the tires used as playground equipment.

· Turn over wheelbarrows, wagons and carts when not in use.

· Turn garbage can lids upside down and make sure trash receptacles don’t contain water.

· Fix dripping faucets.

· Remove water and cover ornamental pools and water gardens that are not stocked with fish using a circulating filter system.

· Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

· Wear light clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hat when outdoors.

· Use mosquito repellants according to instructions.

For additional information please contact the Frederick County health Department, at 301-600-1029, Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer for the City of Frederick, at 301-360-3842.

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