West Nile virus surveillance and control program continues

 

West Nile Virus (WNv) is a disease carried by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pick up the virus when they bite an infected bird. Humans who are bitten by an infected mosquito can get sick.

 

The Ontario government has developed a strategy to fight this disease. As part of the strategy, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit has been mandated to carry out a WNv surveillance and control program since 2002. Two important parts of the surveillance program are bird testing and mosquito trapping.

 

Bird Testing: Public Health Inspectors with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit collected 27 dead crows, ravens and blue jays in 2006. Twenty-six birds were tested, and results indicated that six birds were infected with WNv.

 

Mosquito Trapping: Public Health Inspectors set 80 mosquito traps across Renfrew County in 2006. As in previous years, test results showed that no mosquitoes were carrying WNv.  However, in 2006 there was an increase in the types of mosquitoes that are known to transmit WNv.

 

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit is required to investigate and record complaints relating to WNv. In 2006, three complaints about standing water were investigated.

 

Renfrew County and District Health Unit stresses the importance of prevention and protection against mosquitoes carrying WNv. It is a good idea to clean up areas around the house where mosquitoes like to rest and breed. Remove leaves in eaves troughs, keep drainage ditches open, dump standing water from objects such as wheelbarrows and flowerpots, and change birdbaths weekly. Check that window and door screens fit properly and do not allow mosquitoes to enter indoors. If you have to go outside around dawn or dusk, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. For added protection, use an insect repellent containing DEET and follow the directions on the label carefully. (E.g. Do not use repellant containing DEET on children under 6 months of age.)