Point Reyes Light - September 30, 2004
West Nile virus found in Bolinas
By Jim Kravets
A fox sparrow found dead in Bolinas Sept. 20 has tested positive for West Nile Virus, mosquito-abatement officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
This is the first reported case of the virus in West Marin south of Tomales, where four birds, which were found dead in August, tested positive for the virus.
Bolinas’ bird was discovered on the steps of the Bolinas Postoffice by postal worker Sharon Mantle, who called Stacey Henderson, a nurse who represents the Bolinas Public Utility District on the county West Nile Task Force. Henderson, who gave the bird to the Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District, said, "It really looked like it just fell out of the sky, like there was nothing wrong with it. It broke my heart."
The district sent the bird to UC Davis for testing. Only 23 of the 2,567 confirmed West Nile cases among birds statewide have been sparrows.
In response to UC Davis’ finding, Henderson said it may be necessary to call an emergency meeting of the taskforce. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18. She added that "the Lions Club will go door to door in Bolinas informing people of ways to reduce risk such as emptying standing water in yards, screening the roof vents on septic systems, and making sure lids on septic tanks are sealed and covered with sand."
Notwithstanding the case in Bolinas, state health officials said the spread of the virus has slowed because of cooler weather and the success of control measures already in use, such as spraying wetlands and draining stagnant pools of water.