Posted on: Thursday, September 9, 2004
Hawai'i wary of West Nile
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
Hawai'i residents have helped state officials collect 130 dead birds this year as part of a monitoring effort to help prevent West Nile virus from taking hold here as it has across most of the country.
State and city officials are asking residents to watch for dead birds as a possible sign that West Nile virus may be spreading to Hawai'i. Information on dead bird collection related to West Nile virus and details on locations is available by calling 211, the Aloha United Way information line, or at www.hawaii.gov/health. People who find birds that appear to have died within 48 hours can drop them off seven days a week, 24 hours a day at the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Wai'alae Ave., seven days a week, 24 hours. People may also take birds to the state Health Department Vector Control Laboratory, 99-945 Halawa Valley St., 'Aiea, weekdays 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or to the main offices at the following district or regional parks: Kapi'olani, Kualoa, Waialua, Wai'anae, Waimanalo and Waipahu. Source: State Health Department None of the birds had the disease. There have been no reported cases in Hawai'i of West Nile virus, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can be fatal.
If the virus is detected, health officials said they will begin immediate mosquito control, including spraying insecticides and treating standing water.
Because of reports about increasing numbers of Mainland cases, "we definitely do see a spike in awareness," Ramirez said.
Ramirez said that last year 61 birds were collected on O'ahu, 24 on the Big Island, 20 on Maui and four on Kaua'i.
West Nile has spread across most of the nation since it was detected in New York in 1999. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the virus has killed at least 30 people this year.
With California and Nevada reporting cases, concern is increasing that the disease could be carried here from the popular vacation spots by residents and visitors.
The city Department of Parks and Recreation has designated six parks as collection sites for dead birds. People may also take dead birds to the Hawaiian Humane Society around the clock.
Dexter Liu, Leeward O'ahu district manager for the city Department of Parks and Recreation, said people have become more aware of the virus and seem to be trying to help by collecting birds. Liu said residents can make a big difference. If officials are able to pick up on any sign of the virus quickly, Liu said, "we could react to the situation a lot faster and control it before it spreads."
In general, Liu reminds people to avoid direct contact with dead birds by using gloves, plastic bags or shovels to handle the birds and to be cautious of beaks and claws. And he said to look over the bird to see that it appears to have been dead less than 48 hours and is not crushed or decomposed.
Ramirez said residents also can help by eliminating standing water that could breed mosquitoes.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
Shokufeh Ramirez, West Nile virus coordinator for the state Department of Health, said the number of birds turned in across the state already exceeds last year's count of 109. She said half of the birds were turned in on O'ahu, with smaller numbers for the Big Island, Maui and Kaua'i.
O'ahu dead bird drop-off
