Subject: west nile virus: Hi Larry, What a coincidence. I just had my husband admitted to Kessler after having repeated incidences of a foot inflammation with a low grade fever occcasionally. We have no idea what is going on after three weeks of tests and medicinal treatments. No diagnosis. This afternoon after I left him at Kessler I sat on my front porch and noticed a black bird struggling across my driveway. Later in the day I read your email and went to look for the bird and have not found it yet. I have alerted the docs at Kessler of this. The docs think it may be viral which did alert me. Joe has been out blowing leaves, raking and cleaning gutters. I wonder and hope that it is not west nile. Why did you post that alert? Was it just a seasonal alert? I would love some feedback on this. Thank you Carol

RESPONSE: The two postings, one on West Nile and the other on the Gypsy Moth...were both just seasonal Public Service Announcements that I had hoped would be informative to GadFly readers. I am sure all GadFly readers wish Joe a quick return to health. It is important that we all be on the alert for dead birds and finding them call the appropriate authorities...also that anything that would hold sitting water where mosquitoes can breed not be allowed to sit outside as this disease is transmitted via mosquito bites. While I am at it don't forget that another mosquito born disease that kills our beloved dogs is the deadly heart worm ... which can be prevented with heart worm tablets. I would also note that the County Health Department was out in Mullica as reported on GadFly spraying standing water ponds to prevent a large infestation of mosquitoes this spring.