Growing public concern over the spread of West Nile virus has caused the City of Dyersburg to intensify its mosquito control program, according to Mayor Bill Revell. Citizens and local businesses are also being asked to take steps to help eradicate breeding grounds for the insect pest.

West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes that have come in contact with infected birds. The virus can affect both humans and animals. Elderly patients are at greatest risk. They can suffer from a swelling of the brain that results in death. "We are now spraying twice a day in Evansville and South Dyersburg," Revell said. "These are low-lying areas of the city. We have also changed to a new insecticide that has been proven more effective for mosquito control."

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Revell said letters are currently being drafted that will be sent to business owners within the city limits that store new or used tires outdoors. They will be asked to take steps to control mosquitoes that breed in stagnant pools inside the tires. Tommy Gibbons, coordinator of emergency services for Dyersburg, is asking area residents to take the following steps around their homes:

* Reduce or eliminate all standing water in gutters, plastic pools, bird baths, etc.

* Change the water in containers used for animals outdoor to keep it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

* Make sure all windows and doors have screens that are in good repair.

* Modify activities to avoid being outside after dusk and just before dawn when mosquitoes are more prevalent.

* Use an insect repellent that contains DEET and wear protective clothing in evenings and early mornings.

On Friday, the West Tennessee Regional Health Office announced that eight birds in Tipton and Haywood Counties have tested positive for the virus. In Shelby County, a total of 82 birds have confirmed cases.

Locally, the health department reports an increasing number of telephone calls from the public reporting dead birds. At least one blue jay and a crow have been shipped to a medical laboratory for tests. It will take about a week to verify if the virus was present in the birds. Gibbons asks that if a Dyer County or Dyersburg citizen finds a dead blue jay or crow on their property, the carcass should be placed in a plastic bag using latex or rubber gloves. It should then be refrigerated or frozen until a health department official can be contacted.

"You can't get West Nile virus from a dead bird. Mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans." Gibbons said that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, less than one percent of mosquitoes in an affected area actually carry the virus. Furthermore, even if a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, there is only a one in 300 chance that the disease will progress to a serious stage.

"I feel like the city is taking a pro-active approach to this problem," Gibbons said. "We are trying to stay one step ahead of this problem."