North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit News Release
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A crow found in Sundridge has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the eighth bird in the North Bay Parry Sound district to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Health Unit staff will be checking to determine whether mosquitoes in the Sundridge area are carrying the virus.
To date, a total of 76 sightings of dead crows, ravens and blue jays have been reported within the North Bay and Parry Sound districts, 19 of which were sent for lab testing. The first bird to test positive for West Nile virus this year was on July 2n 2008 in the town of Parry Sound. Since then, birds have tested positive in North Bay, Callander, Astorville and now Sundridge.
Infected birds are the first sign of the presence of West Nile virus in an area. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds and the infected mosquito may then pass the virus to a person through a bite. It is important to remain diligent about protecting yourself and your family members against mosquitoes.
To reduce the risk of WNV due to bites from infected mosquitoes, follow these safety measures:
• 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.
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.
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.
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