Dead crow tests positive for West Nile

Another bird found dead has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Further information is included in the following news release issued today by the North Bay and District Health Unit:
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A dead crow found near Dutrisac Road in West Nipissing has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the second bird to test positive for the virus in 2004 within the area served by the North Bay & District Health Unit. Mosquito testing to date within 1 ½ km of the site has been negative for the virus. Additional mosquito collection was done on June 29 and the Health Unit is awaiting results.

According to Dr Catherine Whiting, medical officer of health, “The assessment of risk to residents of this district remains low. The number of positive birds is just one of the factors used to assess risk. We will continue surveillance of both larval and adult mosquitoes to determine if the species that carries the virus is present and, if it is, whether it is present in significant numbers. As well, we will continue monitoring adult mosquitoes along with dead crows, ravens and blue jays for the presence of the virus.”

The Health Unit is notifying residents of the area about the positive crow this afternoon.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that normally causes only mild illness in humans; however, more severe disease is possible in people over 50 years of age, and among those who have weakened immune systems.

Whiting recommends that people continue to use common-sense measures during the remainder of the mosquito season. Two easy steps that everyone can take are eliminating areas


around the house where mosquitoes can breed and minimizing exposure to mosquito bites. Around the house or garden, people should:
∙ drain any areas of standing or stagnant water on the property. Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and change the water in birdbaths twice a week. Keep eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water.
∙ install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

People are advised to take these precautions 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-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and shoes.
∙ Use an insect repellent containing DEET. For adults, look for repellents containing 30 per cent DEET. Children should wear a repellent with no more than six to 10 per cent DEET. Follow the recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society for applying insect repellant containing DEET on children.


To report a dead crow, raven or blue jay, the public should leave a message on the West Nile virus hotline at 474-1400, ext 487. A public health inspector will follow up on the call to determine if the specimen should be collected and sent for testing. The Health Unit will not accept dead birds.

More information is available at www.nbdhu.on.ca. The Health Unit will be open on Friday, July 2.