Chicken found to be free of deadly West Nile virus

June 18, 2000
Web posted at: 3:32 a.m. EDT (0732 GMT)

In this story: Test results provide 'some relief' Elderly, those with weak immune systems most at risk RELATED STORIES, SITES

NEW YORK (CNN) -- New York's health commissioner said Saturday a chicken thought to have the West Nile virus tested negative, bringing some relief to officials who had feared another outbreak of the deadly disease.

Health officials had announced Thursday the so-called "sentinel chicken," one of 96 intended to detect mosquito-borne illnesses, had tested positive in preliminary examinations.

Last year, the virus killed seven people in the city and caused panic throughout the Northeast.

Health Commissioner Neal Cohen said the second round of testing was performed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Veterinary Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Test results provide 'some relief'

"These follow-up tests results provide us with some relief that at this time we do not have evidence of the West Nile virus in New York City," Cohen said in a press release.

While infection in that chicken has been ruled out, the city is still encouraging New Yorkers to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes be eliminating standing water around their homes and taking other precautions against mosquito bites.

In light of Saturday's development, the city will not proceed with a new round of spraying pesticides in Queens.

Elderly, those with weak immune systems most at risk

The preliminary testing was conducted by Cornell University. Cohen said that test can occasionally render false positives.

The virus can cause mild-to-severe illness in humans. In the most serious cases, infection can cause encephalitis, swelling of the brain, and death.

Elderly people and people with weak immune systems are most at risk.

Last year, the virus caused encephalitis in 62 people in the New York area, and seven died, according to state health officials.

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New York City Department Of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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