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Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler stressed while the Putnam crow was the first to test positive for the virus, there have been no mosquito or human cases of West Nile in Putnam this year.
Health department sanitarians have intensified mosquito surveillance and control activities this week on both sides of the county while applying larvicide to catch basins within the vicinity where the infected bird was found.
Dr. Amler called it "important to remember" that "primary mosquito breeding sites are often found around homes and property. We urge all residents to inspect areas around their homes and eliminate breeding grounds from property by removing standing water, changing bird baths frequently, keeping pools filtered and chlorinated, removing discarded tires and making sure gutters are cleaned and drain properly."
The commissioner also called on Putnam's l00,000-plus residents to follow personal protection measures: "Wear shoes and socks, long pants and along-sleeved shirts when outdoors. Apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET to prevent mosquito bites."
Officials have also asked residents to continue to report sightings of dead birds to the health department by calling the Putnam West Nile Virus hotline at 278-6130.
