North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release *********************** A dead crow found in Mattawa has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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A dead crow found in Mattawa has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first bird to test positive for the virus in 2007 in the area served by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Further surveillance will be carried out to determine whether mosquitoes in the vicinity of the birds are carrying the virus.
According to Peter Jekel, Director of Environmental Health, “At this time of year, the most important precaution all residents in the district can take is to ensure that they use personal protective measures. This means protecting exposed skin with clothing or DEET repellent, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are most prevalent, and taking extra precautions during peak mosquito activity times.”
The Health Unit recommends that people use these simple, common sense precautions to reduce the risk of illness due to bites from infected mosquitoes:
∙ When possible, avoid areas with high mosquito populations, including woods and wetlands.
∙ Take extra care when spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
∙ Wear light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes.
∙ Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children. Follow the recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society for applying insect repellant containing DEET on children (attached).
∙ Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Health Unit staff have been actively monitoring for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes and birds in various locations in the district since May. Positive birds have been found in several parts of the province, and so far there have been 4 reported cases of WNV in humans in 2007 in Ontario. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. The infected mosquito then passes the virus to humans through a bite.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that normally causes only mild illness in humans; however, more severe disease is possible, particularly in very young children, elderly people and those who have weakened immune systems.
“Cleaning up areas of standing water and yard debris also goes a long way toward reducing the mosquito population.” Adds Jekel, “This includes draining any areas of standing or stagnant water on a property, removing old tires, turning over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and frequently changing the water in birdbaths. Keeping eaves troughs clear is also a good way to avoid trapped water.”
To report a dead raven, crow or blue jay, the public may call (705) 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808.
Those who call will receive information and instructions about how to report the sighting including location and condition of the bird to allow the Health Unit WNV program staff to determine if the specimen should be collected and sent for testing.
The Health Unit will not accept dead birds brought in to the office. Any reports will be followed up by WNV program staff on the next business day. For more information about West Nile Virus and to view our fact sheets, visit www.nbdhu.on.ca.
