20 Aug 2008
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – A dead crow collected in Oro-Medonte is the second bird to test positive for West Nile virus (WNv) in Simcoe Muskoka this season; the first was found in Bracebridge earlier this month.
"This is another solid reminder that West Nile virus is established in our area and that we need to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites," says Marina Whelan, manager of the health hazards program at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “This is peak season for the virus, which makes it important that people use insect repellent when they are outdoors and cover up to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
The health unit has received 567 reports of dead bird sightings and submitted 22 birds to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre in Guelph for testing since it began its dead bird surveillance program in May. In Ontario to date, 32 birds have tested positive for the virus.
To date one human case has been reported in Ontario.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected birds. People older than 50 and those with chronic disease or weakened immune systems are most at risk but anyone who lives in an area where there are infected mosquitoes can get WNv. The virus can cause serious illness in some people and, on rare occasions, death.
For more information on WNv or to report a dead bird, check www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520).
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