Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has reported a positive case of West Nile virus (WNv) in the Greater Sudbury area. PHSD said it received confirmation that an American Crow was discovered that had tested positive.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds, said a health unit news release. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. The American Crow is regarded as a common bird throughout most of Canada according to the Audubon Field Guide.
PHSD said local surveillance to date this year has not detected virus in any mosquitos collected this year. WNv positive mosquitoes were last detected in the area in 2018, said the health unit.
Jon Groulx, a manager in PHSD's Health Protection division, said the risk is low but the virus is still out there and late summer is a prime time for concern.
“In our service area this year, there have been no confirmed cases of people being infected with the virus or mosquitoes carrying the virus. However, this positive bird reminds us that although the overall risk of a person becoming infected is low, the virus is still present,” Groulx said.
“Therefore, taking precautions to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus is important,” added Groulx.
The health unit said most people infected with the virus have no symptoms while others may experience mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands. In very rare cases the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause serious symptoms.
PHSD said late summer is typically the time of greatest risk for contracting West Nile virus because mosquitoes can carry higher levels of the virus at this time. Late summer can be when people are not as careful about protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
Here are some simple measures you can take to continue to protect yourself and your family:
- Reduce the risk around the home. Install or repair screens.
- Remove standing water from around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For more information about West Nile virus, please contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 ( toll-free at 1-866-522-9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
