Public asked to report sick or dead wild birds to DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section for 2018 West Nile virus monitoring

The logo for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental ControlDOVER – DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section within the Division of Fish & Wildlife is seeking the public’s help in monitoring West Nile virus in Delaware by reporting sick or dead wild birds that may have contracted the virus. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease of considerable concern to human health and to owners of unvaccinated horses.

The Mosquito Control Section requests that the public report sick or dead birds of the following species only: crows, blue jays, cardinals, robins, hawks or owls, plus clusters of five or more sick or dead wild birds of any species. Bird specimens should have been dead for less than 24 hours and not appear to have died from other obvious causes. Mosquito Control also notes that uncollected dead wild bird specimens are very unlikely to transmit WNV to humans or pets.

“We are again tracking when and where West Nile virus might appear in Delaware this year and monitoring its possible spread throughout the state,” said Dr. William Meredith, Mosquito Control Section administrator, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife. “Our sampling strategy is to collect and test birds from now into late September.”

Birds collected by DNREC are processed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry & Animal Health Lab, and then submitted to the Division of Public Health (DPH) Laboratory for virus testing. From July through mid- to late-October, DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section also operates a statewide network of about 20 sentinel chicken stations in prime mosquito areas. The DPH lab tests blood samples from the sentinel chickens for WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), another mosquito-borne viral disease that affects humans and horses. The results help indicate where WNV or EEE has been transmitted by mosquitoes from wild bird hosts to other animals, possibly leading to an increased risk of exposure for humans or horses. Neither WNV nor EEE can be transmitted between horses or from horses to people.

The period of greatest concern for disease transmission for WNV and EEE is late summer and early fall. WNV is transmitted to humans primarily by the common house mosquito, and possibly by the Asian tiger mosquito. The disease first appeared in Delaware in 2001. Last year, Delaware had one human case and two equine cases, with the last cases of EEE detected in two horses in 2013. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) logged 2,022 reported human cases of WNV last year resulting in 121 deaths, 10 of which occurred in our region.

Four other mosquito-borne diseases of concern that can occur in Delawareans are malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya and Zika viruses. Cases of these four diseases are almost always found in travelers returning from tropical or sub-tropical regions where these illnesses are more prevalent. None involve wild birds as hosts, but rather are transmitted by mosquitoes from person-to-person.

To report sick or dead birds, call Mosquito Control’s field offices between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday:

  • New Castle County and Kent County from Dover north, Glasgow office: 302-836-2555
  • Remainder of Kent County and Sussex County, Milford office: 302-422-1512

Residents also are encouraged to call to report intolerable numbers of biting mosquitoes and request control services. Voicemail may be left after hours, or on weekends or holidays.

For more information, call Delaware Mosquito Control’s main office at 302-739-9917, or click Delaware Mosquito Control.

For more information about West Nile virus in humans, call the Delaware Division of Public Health at 302-744-4990 or 888-295-5156.

For more information about West Nile virus in horses, Eastern equine encephalitis, or vaccines, call the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 800-282-8685 (Delaware only) or 302-698-4500.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 146


DPH Continues to Promote Zika Awareness Through Statewide Advertising Campaign

Zika billboardDOVER – The Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to remind Delawareans to protect themselves from the Zika virus with support from a statewide advertising campaign launched last month. The campaign reminds travelers, particularly pregnant women, to take steps to prevent Zika.

Zika has been found in several popular travel locations. Delaware’s 17 confirmed Zika cases were all caused by mosquito bites while traveling abroad, however, there are warmer climates in the continental United States with local Zika transmission. Anyone planning a trip over the summer should educate themselves on Zika’s dangers and how to prevent the disease before setting off for your vacation destination.

“Through this campaign, we are striving to remind women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, that Zika is still a serious disease that should not be taken lightly,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Pregnant women and their partners should avoid travel to areas where Zika is found and everyone should protect themselves from mosquito bites.” Dr. Rattay encouraged everyone to take precautions such as using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using barrier methods such as condoms or dental dams when engaging in sexual activity with someone who could be infected with Zika.”

The Zika outreach campaign includes radio, billboard, transit, digital and pre-show movie theater advertising. DPH has also enlisted strategies to reach women in the Hispanic community who may be more likely to travel to areas affected by the Zika virus.

Zika is a disease caused by a virus primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes and can also be passed via sexual transmission. The most common symptoms of Zika are rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Some people who become infected with Zika do not experience any symptoms.

The largest health impact of the Zika virus appears to be on infants whose mothers were infected during pregnancy. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age, as well as other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

DPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a number of resources to inform the public on the impacts of Zika, including the CDC’s text messaging service that will alert travelers of Zika updates for their destinations. To receive text messages about Zika for your destination, text PLAN to 855-255-5606 to subscribe.

“Currently, there is no known treatment for, and no vaccine against, Zika,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh. “Prevention is the only protection. Everyone should take proper precautions when traveling to areas where Zika is spreading, as they can get infected with the virus via mosquito bites or sex while away and spread it through sexual transmission themselves both when traveling and when they return home.”

Mosquito bite avoidance strategies include:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. When feasible, stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reapplication times. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside. Keep in mind that the mosquitos that spread Zika bite actively both during the day and the night.

If you have a baby or child:
Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover the crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, or on cut or irritated skin. Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to the child’s face.

Clothing:
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items. Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. Do NOT apply permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

Women who have had possible exposure to Zika through travel or sexual contact, regardless of whether or not they exhibited symptoms or are trying to conceive, should wait at least eight weeks before having unprotected sex. Men who may have been exposed to the virus should wait at least six months before having unprotected sex, regardless of whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms or are planning to conceive. Preventing Zika transmission to a woman who may, or is planning to, conceive in the next few months is particularly important, given Zika’s link to serious and even fatal birth defects.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can find more information on Zika at:

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomen.pdf (English)
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomensp.pdf (Spanish)
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomenhc.pdf (Haitian Creole)

DPH recommends the following resources for the latest on Zika and microcephaly:

• As new Zika findings become available, DPH will update its Zika page to inform Delawareans at http://de.gov/zika.
• Use the CDC’s new text messaging service to receive Zika updates for your destination. Text PLAN at 855-255-5606 to subscribe.
• Visit the CDC’s Zika website for updates and newly infected areas at: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/.
• Visit the CDC’s website on microcephaly at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Planning Spring Break? CDC Text Service Provides Zika Updates To Travelers

DOVER – Spring break is all about sunscreen, bathing suits, and travel to warmer weather climates. And this year, it should also be about protecting you and your family from the Zika virus.

DPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a number of resources to inform the public on the impacts of Zika, including the CDC’s text messaging service that will inform travelers of Zika updates for their destinations. To receive text messages about Zika for your destination, text PLAN to 855-255-5606 to subscribe.

Zika has been found in several popular spring locations. Delaware’s 17 confirmed Zika cases were all caused by mosquito bites while traveling abroad, however, there are warmer climates in the continental United States with local Zika transmission. Anyone planning a trip during the winter or over spring break should educate themselves on Zika’s dangers and how to prevent the disease before hopping on a plane or cruise ship for warmer weather.

“Zika is a ‘game changer’ for warm weather trips,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Pregnant women and their partners should avoid travel to areas where Zika is found and everyone should protect themselves from mosquito bites. Precautions should be taken such as using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using barrier methods such as condoms and/or dental dams when engaging in sexual activity with someone who could be infected with Zika.”

Added Dr. Awele Maduka-Ezeh, “Currently, there is no known treatment for, and no vaccine against, Zika. Prevention is the only protection. All persons should take proper precautions when traveling to Zika-infected areas as they can get infected with the virus via mosquito bites or sex, while away, and spread it through sexual transmission themselves both when traveling, and also, when they return home.

Mosquito bite avoidance strategies include:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. When feasible, stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reapplication times. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside. Keep in mind that the mosquitos that spread Zika bite actively both during the day and the night.

If you have a baby or child:

Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover the crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin. Adults: spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to the child’s face.

Clothing:

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items. Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last. If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully. Do NOT apply permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

Women who have had possible exposure to Zika through travel or sexual contact, regardless of whether or not they exhibited symptoms or are trying to conceive, should wait at least eight weeks before having unprotected sex. Men who may have been exposed to the virus should wait at least six months before having unprotected sex, regardless of whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms or are planning to conceive. Preventing Zika transmission to a woman who may, or is planning to, conceive in the next few months is particularly important, given Zika’s link to serious and even fatal birth defects.

Women who are pregnant or planning to be can find more information on Zika at:

DPH recommends the following resources for the latest on Zika and microcephaly:

  • As new Zika findings become available, DPH will update its Zika page to inform Delawareans at http://de.gov/zika.
  • Use the CDC’s new text messaging service to receive Zika updates for your destination. Text PLAN at 855-255-5606 to subscribe.
  • Visit the CDC’s Zika website for updates and newly infected areas at: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/.
  • Visit the CDC’s website on microcephaly.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Zika: Holiday Travel? Pack Your Bug Spray

DOVER – As temperatures drop outside and holiday travel plans to warmer climates heat up, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds you that as Zika is being found in an increasing number of countries stopping a mosquito bite is still the best protection against the disease. Packing bug spray and clothing that protects against mosquito bites is as important as packing sunscreen and a bathing suit.

Delaware now has 16 Zika cases, including one not previously announced in an adult male with travel back and forth to Puerto Rico. All cases were caused by mosquito bites while traveling abroad. All but one of the Delaware Zika cases are in adults and none is pregnant. Of the 16 Delaware cases, nine are in New Castle County, three are in Kent County and four are in Sussex counties.

Anyone who is traveling abroad and gets bitten by a mosquito carrying Zika virus or has unprotected sex with someone who has been exposed to the virus (which could include anyone who lives locally), could get the disease. That same Delawarean could return home and spread it here through sexual activity or during pregnancy. To prevent spreading Zika during sexual activity, barrier methods (condoms, dental dams) should be used.

Women who are trying to become pregnant and have been diagnosed with Zika virus or have symptoms of Zika, should wait at least eight weeks after symptoms first appeared before trying to conceive. Men who have been diagnosed with Zika virus or have symptoms are advised to wait at least six months after symptoms first appeared before having vaginal, oral, or anal unprotected sex.

For an updated list of countries impacted by Zika visit: www.cdc.gov/zika.

“Zika remains an ever-growing threat and we are concerned that people will forget about the need to protect themselves while traveling over the holidays,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We are still telling pregnant women to avoid countries where Zika transmission is active, and their sexual partners need to be tested if they recently traveled to those areas. If the sexual partner has confirmed Zika, the couple should abstain from sex or use condoms and other barrier methods until the baby is born.”

Adding Department of Health and Social Services Cabinet Secretary Rita Landgraf, “Last week the World Health Organization announced it was shifting its approach to Zika from a ‘public health emergency’ to one of a long-term fight. This is not to say that Zika is any less problematic or potentially dangerous, but instead says that Zika is spreading so rapidly and, with no vaccines available soon, we must view this as needing an aggressive response over a period of years, not something that can be eradicated in a matter of months.”

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites while traveling, use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents; stay in places with air conditioning or that use window or door screens to keep mosquitoes outside; sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside and not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes; treat clothing and gear with permethrin available in pharmacies or purchase permethrin-treated items; and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Zika is a generally mild illness caused by a virus primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. About one in five people infected with the virus develop the disease, and most people who are infected do not develop symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika virus infection are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). However, while it is often mild, Zika has been linked to serious birth defects in infants whose mothers were infected during the pregnancy and rare but serious health complications in adults.

To learn more about Zika and Delaware, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/zika.html. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can find more information by visiting:

· http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomen.pdf (English)
· http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomensp.pdf (Español)
· http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomenhc.pdf (kreyòl ayisyen)

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Division of Public Health Announces Eighth Zika Case from Travel Abroad

DOVER, DE – Today, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced a New Castle County man has tested positive for the Zika virus bringing the total number of cases in Delaware to eight. All of the Zika positive test results are due to a mosquito bite while traveling abroad and none involve a pregnancy. The man was tested within the last two weeks following recent travel.

Zika is spread primarily through mosquito bite, but also can be sexually transmitted from male to female or passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. DPH continues to recommend condom use for men who have been diagnosed with Zika virus or have symptoms for at least six months after symptoms first appeared.

A total of 127 individuals have been, or are in the process of being, tested in Delaware. At this time, there are 110 negative results, eight positive results, seven test results pending and two indeterminate results in pregnant females. Indeterminate means that it is not possible to definitively confirm the existence of the Zika virus in the human body. Both individuals with indeterminate results were traveling or living abroad this past winter. To protect patient privacy, DPH will not announce any other information on the status of the pregnancies. Consistent with other states, DPH will announce any Zika-related microcephaly cases after a birth should it occur.

According to the CDC, there are 1,133 confirmed cases of Zika virus in the Unites States and District of Columbia. As of July 6, the CDC reports there is still no confirmed transmission of Zika by local mosquito bite in the continental U.S.

DPH recently announced new Zika public education materials targeting pregnant women and their male partners, including offering Zika Prevention Kits to pregnant women. The kits are being distributed at Delaware Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics and other locations. Recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the kit contains mosquito repellent, condoms, thermometers, and informational brochures. DPH will also be offering updated information and links to educational materials, which can be found at: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/zika.html.

Zika, a generally mild illness, has been linked to serious birth defects in Brazil and other countries and is most often spread by mosquitoes.

Travel and Transmission Advisories
• If you are pregnant, postpone travel to the countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If your male sexual partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, condoms should be used for the duration of the pregnancy. Discuss your male partner’s potential exposures and history of Zika-like illness with your doctor.
• If you are trying to become pregnant and have been diagnosed with Zika virus or have symptoms of Zika, wait at least eight weeks after symptoms first appeared before trying to conceive. Men who have been diagnosed with Zika virus or have symptoms are advised to wait at least six months after symptoms first appeared before having vaginal, oral, or anal unprotected sex.
• Men and women who do not have symptoms of Zika but had possible exposure through recent travel or sexual contact should wait at least eight weeks after possible exposure before trying to conceive in order to minimize risk.
• If your male partner lives in an area with active Zika transmission but has not developed symptoms, use condoms for vaginal, oral, or anal sex while there is active Zika virus transmission in the area.
• If you are pregnant or may become pregnant and must travel to an area with Zika, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. If you traveled to an area with active Zika virus transmission up to eight weeks before your pregnancy was confirmed, discuss your travel history with your doctor.

About one in five people infected with the virus develop the disease, and most people who are infected do not develop symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

To report a potential Zika illness or receive further guidance on patient testing, call the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990. For copies of flyers and more educational tools, see the below links.

For further information for pregnant women and their male partners:
• Flyer for pregnant women in English: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomen.pdf
• Flyer for pregnant women in Spanish: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomensp.pdf
• Flyer for pregnant women in Haitian Creole: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomenhc.pdf

Zika FAQs and mosquito control tips:
• In English: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikafaq.pdf
• In Spanish: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikafaqsp.pdf
• In Haitian Creole: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikafaqhc.pdf

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents; stay in places with air conditioning or that use window or door screens to keep mosquitoes outside; sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside and not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes; treat clothing and gear with permethrin available in pharmacies or purchase permethrin-treated items; and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

To learn more about how to reduce mosquitoes around your home, two videos with information about Zika virus and backyard water sanitation tips also are available on DNREC’s YouTube Channel: Zika Virus, Mosquitoes & You, and Mosquito Control & Your Backyard.

To report intolerable numbers of biting mosquitoes and request local relief, residents are encouraged to call Mosquito Control’s field offices:
• Glasgow Office, 302-836-2555, serving New Castle County and the northern half of Kent County, including Dover
• Milford Office, 302-422-1512, serving the southern half of Kent County south of Dover and all of Sussex County
• For more information about Delaware’s Mosquito Control program, call the field offices or the main Dover office at 302-739-9917, or visit http://de.gov/mosquito.

General Zika information:
• CDC information on Zika: www.cdc.gov/zika/
• DPH Zika page: dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/zika.html
• CDC Zika webpage information in Spanish: www.cdc.gov/spanish/mediosdecomunicacion/comunicados/d_recomendaciones_viajeros_virus_del_zika_011516.html

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.