West Nile
Virus is a mosquito borne disease that can have an
negative impact on human health. In 2005 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 the
type of mosquitoes found in a particular location;
Ø
Monitoring and reporting any human
cases;
Ø
Public awareness – “Fight the Bite”
media campaign.
The Health
Unit submitted a total of 31 dead birds to the
laboratory for analysis. Of these, one bird was
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 found to be carrying the
disease. There were no human cases within our jurisdiction in
2005.
The Health
Unit continued its main messages to the public of removing standing water on
your property, and personal protection when outdoors.