North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release ******************** Three more birds in the district have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Two birds were found in Callander and another bird was found in McDougall Township.
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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Three more birds in the district have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Two birds were found in Callander and another bird was found in McDougall Township. These are the third, fourth and fifth birds in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit area to test positive for the virus in 2008. Health unit staff are conducting surveillance to determine whether mosquitoes in the surrounding areas of the birds are carrying the virus.
The Health Unit has 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.
Four out of five people who are bitten by a mosquito infected with WNV do not show any symptoms. In some cases, WNV may cause mild illness in humans including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash on chest, stomach or back. In rare cases, however, more severe disease is possible, particularly in those who have weakened immune systems including elderly people. Symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The Health Unit recommends that people use simple, personal protective measures 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 % for adults and no greater than 10 % for children. Follow the recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society for applying insect repellant containing DEET on children (see below).
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
To control where mosquitoes develop, 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.
To report a dead raven, crow or blue jay, 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 determine if the bird should be collected and sent for testing. Reports will be followed up by WNV program staff on the next business day. We do not accept dead birds brought to the health unit office.
For more information, visit www.healthunit.biz or call 474-1400, or 1-800-563-3808.
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