West Nile virus detected in the city

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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A mosquito pool in the City of North Bay has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first mosquito pool in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit area to test positive for the virus. Surveillance will be done by health unit staff to determine whether subsequent mosquito pools in the surrounding area are carrying the virus. The risk of acquiring WNV continues to remain low in the NBPSDHU area.

Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is spread to humans and other mammals by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from other animals.
Being bitten by an infected mosquito will not necessarily make you sick. 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.

Health Unit staff have been actively monitoring for WNV in mosquitoes in various locations in our district since June.
For more information, call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, or visit www.healthunit.biz.

Quick Facts

The Health Unit recommends that people use simple personal protective measures to reduce the risk of illness due to bites from infected mosquitoes:

 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.

- Eliminate any standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.

Health Canada and Canadian Paediatric Society recommendations of the use of insect repellent containing DEET on children:

Under 6 months
Applications Per Day 0
DEET Concentration 0
DEET should not be used on infants under 6 months

6 months to 2 years
Applications Per Day 1
DEET Concentration 10% or less
Apply only if a high risk of infection exists

2 to 12 years
Applications Per Day 3 maximum
DEET Concentration 10% or less
Avoid face and hands

Over 12 years
Applications Per Day As required
DEET Concentration 30% or less
Avoid face and hands

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