Idlewild South Neighborhood Association

Dead birds to be tested for West Nile virus

Dead birds to be tested for West Nile virus

This News Release is being sent out by the County's Public Service and Information Department. Please contact D.C. Lucchesi directly with any questions or suggestions.

June 17, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BEGIN COLLECTING DEAD BIRDS

Charlotte, NC - The Mecklenburg County Health Department will begin collecting dead birds to be tested for West Nile virus. In addition to blue jays, American crows and raptors such as hawks and owls, this is the first year that dead cardinals will be targeted for testing. This targeted testing will likely occur for only a short period since the NC State Public Health Laboratory will stop accepting birds for testing from an individual county once a positive bird is identified.

To report targeted dead birds, call the Health Department's Public Health Pest Management Program at 704-353-0350. For questions about mosquitoes, call 704-336-5101.

Report dead birds immediately. Birds dead longer than 24 to 36 hours may not be suitable for testing. When a dead bird is found, it should be secured, regardless of whether it will be tested for West Nile. Children, stray cats and dogs or other animals may pick up a bird if it's left unprotected. The bird should be placed it in a plastic bag, bucket, or comparable container and, if possible, kept in a cool place. Birds should never be handled directly. Use a shovel or similar device to pick them up and always wear protective gloves.

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect people, horses, many types of birds and some other animals. Most infected humans and animals will not have any symptoms. About 20 percent of infected people will develop West Nile fever. The symptoms for West Nile fever are also fairly mild and include fever, headache, body aches and, occasionally, a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen glands. Symptoms usually last only a few days with no long-term health effects.

West Nile encephalitis or meningitis ("encephalitis" and "meningitis" mean inflammation to different parts of the brain and spinal cord) is the most severe form of infection. Those symptoms include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and coma.

The best protection from the West Nile virus is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. To do so:

· Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
· Use repellants containing DEET and follow directions closely.
· Wear long sleeves and long pants.
· Eliminate standing water sources that may be potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
· Keep window and door screens closed, in good repair and "bug tight."

There were six reported human cases of West Nile virus in North Carolina last year. One of those cases was a Mecklenburg County resident. In 2002, the Health Department submitted 118 birds for West Nile virus testing. These birds were collected from 26 Mecklenburg County zip codes. Of those birds, 62 tested positive for West Nile virus.

# # #

Media Contact: D.C. Lucchesi at 704-432-0344 or lucchdc@co.mecklenburg.nc.us

Wetlands

SPECIAL MEMO TO ALL NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS

From: Dottie Coplon

Date: March 20, 2002

Re: Wetlands

Dear Neighborhood Leader:

Please note that several months ago, the issue of Wetlands was included on all rezoning applications for the City and the County.

It is now a REQUIREMENT that the Petitioner MUST say there are Wetlands on the property, if these exist.

HOWEVER - this is extremely important, because Wetland regulations are Federal and State, involving heavy fines if violated.

This issue came to the attention of the Southeast Coalition some years ago, as Wetlands were being bulldozed in our area along with trees and other natural features to make way for development. We were able to delay and hold up several "Big Ones" until developers dealt with the Wetlands issue.

This is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the preservation of Wetlands, which protect our water supply and help prevent floods. ALSO, there can be a significant alteration of a site plan when the Wetlands are dealt with according to law.

WETLANDS EXIST ALL OVER MECKLENBURG COUNTY (-even
in your neighborhood--even if you're closer into town.) Any piece of land may have this feature, unrecognizable to the naked eye by a layman.

Every rezoning and development in your area should be checked for Wetlands.

Call John Geer, City Engineering with questions. (704) 336-4258

This is truly a progressive step (and tool) for preservation of our lifestyle - use it !

This Media Advisory is being sent out by the County's Public Service and Information Department. Please contact Suzanne Jeffries directly at 704-353-0774 with any questions or suggestions.

JUNE 17, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WHAT: Learning Communities Conference: "Protecting Children and Sustaining Families Through Life-Long Learning" is a two-and-a-half-day event to provide an overview of four key public systems that service children and families in Mecklenburg County. The conference includes capacity building workshops designed to enhance community-based service to children and families.

The event is sponsored by the Youth and Family Services Division of the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health Authority, the Department of Juvenile Justice and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2003
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2003
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2003

WHERE: Highland Renaissance Academy
125 West Craighead Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206

WHO: More than 200 attendees, including foster, adoptive and relative caregivers, contract service providers, and community and neighborhood stakeholders, have been invited to the conference.

Opening Speaker: (9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2003)
Peggy Eagan, Director of Capacity Building, Children and Family Services Center

Public Systems 101-Panel Discussion: (9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2003)
· Dannette R. Smith, Director of DSS Youth and Family Services Division
· Karen Owens, Program Administrator, Area Mental Health Authority
· Laura McFern, Chief Court Counselor, Department of Juvenile Justice
· Ann Clark, Regional Superintendent for High Schools, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
· Barb Pellin, Assistant Superintendent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Moderator: Brett Loftis, Council for Children

WHY: The changing face of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community demands learning new skills and an enhanced knowledge base. The Learning Communities Conference is designed as a kick-off to providing these skills to key audiences who provide service to children and families.

# # #

Media contact: Suzanne Jeffries at 704-353-0774 or jeffesu@co.mecklenburg.nc.us, or Catherine L. Lester, special projects coordinator for DSS Youth and Family Services Division, at 704-432-0292.

Email us
vicki.valkanas@earthlink.net