10:37 a.m.:Bird tests positive for West Nile in Weirton

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NEW CUMBERLAND - A bird found in Hancock County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

According to information from the Hancock County Health Department, the specimen was collected from Weirton Heights. This is the first bird specimen that has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Hancock County since June of 2008. This starling was the third specimen that was submitted to the West Virginia Hygienic Lab from Hancock County during 2009.

According to Jolene Zuros of the county health department, West Nile Virus is a potentially dangerous viral disease spread by mosquitoes. Older individuals are most at risk. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and confusion. The virus is rarely fatal, but in severe cases seizures, coma, or even long-term impairment may result.

The public is asked to notify the Hancock County Health Department at (304) 564-3343 immediately of any sick or dead birds they see and where they are located. Dead birds can only be sent for testing at the West Virginia Hygienic Lab if they have been dead for less than 24 hours and do not show any signs of decay. Bird carcasses that are soft or mushy, have an obvious odor, skin discoloration, feathers or skin that rubs off easily, or have ants or maggots are too decomposed for testing.

If a resident finds a dead bird in the evening or on the weekend when the Hancock County Health Department is closed, they should make every effort to protect the bird from insect infestation by placing it in a plastic bag and keep it cold in a cooler with ice or in an extra refrigerator until the Hancock County Health department sanitarians can be reached. Zuros recommends that people wear gloves or place their hands in a plastic bag if they choose to handler the bird themselves.

For further information, contact the Hancock County Health Department at 304-564-3343 or visit the Web site at www.HancockCountyHealthDepartment.com.