Another bird tests positive for West Nile

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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Another bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), making this the sixth positive bird found in the North Bay Parry Sound district in 2008. This crow was found in Astorville and surveillance activities by Health Unit staff are continuing to determine whether mosquitoes in the area are carrying the virus.

Peter Jekel, Director of Environmental Health, said, “This just reinforces that there is WNV activity in the district and it is important that people use personal protective measures to prevent WNV.”

To reduce the risk of WNV 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.

• Drain areas of standing water, remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and change the water in birdbaths at least twice a week.

• 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 will be collected and sent for
testing. Reports are followed up by WNV program staff on the next business day. The Health Unit does not accept dead birds brought to the office.

For more information, visit www.healthunit.biz or call 474-1400, or 1-800-563-3808.

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