Before heading out to enjoy the summer weather, the Sudbury and District Health Unit is reminding the public to take a few simple precautions to protect themselves and their family from West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is established in Ontario, and the disease is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, stated a news release.
“There is no way to predict how serious West Nile virus will be in any given year,” said Charles Diosi, an environmental support officer with the health unit’s Environmental Health Division in the release. “However, our experience in previous years has been that the risk of human infection increases toward the end of the summer. Although we are early in the season, we’re still reminding the public to take some simple steps to protect themselves.”
Protection made simple:
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or other approved ingredients.
- Avoid mosquito-infested areas.
- Wear light-coloured long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
- Ensure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes.
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as pool covers and garbage cans.
- Change the water in wading pools and bird baths at least twice a week.
- Clean out eavestroughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.
The Sudbury and District Health Unit monitors its service area for possible cases of West Nile virus in animals and humans. To date in 2008, the health unit has conducted tests on 44 mosquito traps and 10 dead birds. None have tested positive for the virus.
To report a dead bird sighting, phone the Sudbury and District Health Unit at 522-9200. Although all sightings are of interest, the health unit will only collect a limited number of birds for analysis.Do not bring dead birds to a health unit office.
For more information about the virus, visit www.sdhu.com.
