North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ********************** A dead crow found in the town of Parry Sound has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
**********************
A dead crow found in the town of Parry Sound has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first bird to test positive for the virus in 2008 in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit area. Further surveillance will be carried out by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit to determine whether mosquitoes in the vicinity of the bird are carrying the virus.
“At this time of year, the most important precautions you can take is to ensure that potential mosquito breeding sites are eliminated and use personal protective measures,” said Peter Jekel, director of environmental health program. “Use insect repellant containing DEET; wear light coloured, long sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks; and avoid going out during dawn and dusk.”
Jekel says to also drain any areas of standing or stagnant water on a property, remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and frequently change the water in birdbaths. Keep eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water.
Health Unit staff have been actively monitoring for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes and birds in various locations in the district since May. Infected birds often serve as the first sign of WNV in the area. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. The infected mosquito then passes the virus to humans through a bite. There have been no reported cases of WNV in humans this year in Ontario.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that normally causes only mild illness in humans; however, more severe disease is possible, particularly in elderly people and those who have weakened immune systems.
The Health Unit recommends that people use simple, personal protective measures. These common sense precautions 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.
To report a dead raven, crow or blue jay, you may call 474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808. Press 5 to listen to instructions about how to let the health unit know about the sighting including where it is and the condition of the bird. This helps the health unit WNV program staff to decide if the bird should be collected and sent for testing. Reports will be followed up by WNV program staff on the next business day. Do not bring dead birds to the health unit office – we will not accept them.
