West Nile Virus kills hawk in Umatilla County

Nearby Union County declared a state of emergency, citing high concentrations of the virus within mosquito and bird populations.

Neither county has had a human or horse affected by West Nile yet this year, but officials from both counties worry about what the rest of the summer will bring.

"West Nile is primarily a bird disease and raptors are known to be susceptible," said Genni Lehnert, administrator of the Umatilla County Public Health Division. "Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite."

The hawk was collected around Umapine near the Blue Mountain Wildlife Center last week and given to West Umatilla Vector Control District for testing.

Ron Montgomery, director of the district, said field testing yielded inconclusive results and the hawk was sent to OSU for final confirmation.

Union County officials became alarmed enough to declare a state of emergency after noticing changes in its mosquito and bird populations.

"Two main precursors to human transmission have been exhibited in all areas of the county," said J.B. Brock, Union County emergency services officer. "The first is an increase in avian (bird) mortality due to the virus. The second is a substantial increase in the number of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus."

Brock said nobody should panic.

"This is largely a precautionary step at this point," he said, "in an attempt to free up possible state and or federal funding for vector control that may become available in the future and gain some flexibility within the local health care system."

Lehnert urged Umatilla County residents not to obsess about West Nile, but to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

"Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill," she said.

Less than one percent experience severe reactions.

Suggestions for reducing risk include getting rid of old tires and containers that accumulate water, avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using mosquito repellent and screening doors and windows.