West Nile Virus is in Renfrew County, but no human cases in 2004

 

West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne disease that can have an adverse impact on human health. In 2004 the Renfrew County & District Health Unit activities regarding West Nile Virus control consisted of:

Ø      Recording the details of dead bird sightings reported by members of the public

Ø      Submitting dead birds (crows, ravens and blue jays) to the laboratory for analysis

Ø      Mosquito trapping to determine type of mosquitoes found in a particular location

Ø      Human surveillance – there were no human cases within our jurisdiction in 2004

Ø      Public Awareness – “fight the bite” media campaign.

 

The Health Unit submitted a total of 50 dead birds to the laboratory for analysis. Of these, nine birds were identified as having the West Nile Virus. A total of 80 traps were set by the Health Unit to collect mosquitoes. Trapped mosquitoes were identified by type, and the types of mosquitoes that are known to carry West Nile Virus were analyzed. None of the mosquitoes analyzed were identified as carriers of this disease.

 

The Health Unit continued its main message to the public of removing standing water on your property, and personal protection when outdoors.