West Nile shows its ugly head in region again

News Release
NWHU

The Northwestern Health Unit would like to advise the public that West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been identified from a trap in the Dryden area. This the first documented case of WNV positive mosquitoes in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts. There has never been any cases of West Nile Virus infection of humans in the Northwest and th risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of infection with the West Nile Virus remains extremely low.
All residents of the northwest and visitors to the area are reminded that the best protection against infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and by applying personal protective measures such as:
• Drain any areas of standing or stagnant water on your property. Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys, wheelbarrows, etc. and change the water in birdbaths on a frequent basis.
• Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is higher. Wearing light-coloured clothing, long pants, long sleeved shirt and hat will reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
• Ensure that eaves troughs drain properly and that screens on doors and windows are in a good state of repair.
• Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET; following the manufacturers instructions.
The Northwestern Health Unit would like to advise the public that a dead crow from Sioux Lookout has been confirmed positive for the West Nile Virus. This brings the total of West Nile Virus positive birds in the Kenora and Rainy River Districts to 15.
The West Nile Virus can only be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, not by person-to-person contact or bird-to-human contact. There has never been a human case of West Nile Virus in either of the districts.
As the Bird Surveillance Programme has been suspended in most communities across the region, the public should be aware of the method of disposal for dead birds that will no longer be collected by the Health Unit:
• Carcasses should only be handled using an implement such as a small shovel or large tongs, or by hand only if disposable plastic or rubber gloves are worn.
•Alternatively, carcasses can be placed in a puncture-resistant plastic bag of an appropriate size by inverting the bag over the hand, grasping the bird through the bag and wrapping the bag around the bird without touching it. This should then be placed in another puncture-resistant bag and sealed.
• Carcasses should be buried several feet deep where they won’t be disturbed, or placed in garbage destined for a landfill. DO not dispose or a dead bird in a manner that would allow contact with other people.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water following handling of the bird.
The Northwestern Health Unit continues to encourage the public to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by applying personal protective measures, such as taking extra precaution at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is higher; wearing light-coloured clothing, long pants, long sleeved shirt and hat; ensuring that the home is resistant to entry by mosquitoes; removing standing water on properties, and; using an insect repellent containing DEET following the manufacturers instructions.