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Birds confirmed positive for West Nile virus in 2007
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The majority of individuals infected have mild or no symptoms. However, the elderly and those with certain chronic medical problems including problems with their immune systems can become ill. West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain resulting from infection.
Where did West Nile Virus come from?
West Nile Virus was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile province, Uganda. Outbreaks of West Nile Virus have occurred in several countries which include Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. Recent outbreaks, outside North America, have occurred in France and Israel in 2000, Russia in 1999 and Romania in 1996-97.
When did West Nile Virus first appear in North America?
The first outbreak in North America of encephalitis caused by West Nile Virus was in and around New York City late in the summer of 1999. Sixty-two cases were confirmed (mostly in elderly people), with seven deaths including one Canadian who had visited New York City during the time of the outbreak. In the summer of 2000, 21 cases were confirmed in New York City and the states of New Jersey and Connecticut, resulting in two deaths.
How is West Nile Virus spread?
People get West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on infected birds. You can't get West Nile Virus from person-to-person contact or from handling dead birds.
What is the treatment for encephalitis from West Nile Virus?
No specific treatment or vaccination is available for encephalitis caused by West Nile Virus. For severe illness, supportive therapy is provided.
What is being done in response to the threat of West Nile Virus?
The provincial government is conducting a number of surveillance activities province-wide to identify the virus in birds, mosquitoes, and other animals including horses. These activities are designed to provide an early warning of an outbreak in humans. As well, active surveillance for human illness is being conducted through sentinel hospitals.
What can I do to protect myself?
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk, and dawn. If you need to be outside during this time, cover up and use insect repellant for extra protection.
What should I wear when working outside?
If you like to work outside, avoid early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most likely to keep you company.
Wear these types of light coloured clothing when going outside between dusk and dawn:
More information is available at Health Canada and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Links:
Other Resources:
- August 21, 2007, Belleville, Crow, 1 Bird
- August 22, 2007, Belleville, Crow, 1 Bird
- None
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The majority of individuals infected have mild or no symptoms. However, the elderly and those with certain chronic medical problems including problems with their immune systems can become ill. West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain resulting from infection.
Where did West Nile Virus come from?
West Nile Virus was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile province, Uganda. Outbreaks of West Nile Virus have occurred in several countries which include Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and parts of Asia and Europe. Recent outbreaks, outside North America, have occurred in France and Israel in 2000, Russia in 1999 and Romania in 1996-97.
When did West Nile Virus first appear in North America?
The first outbreak in North America of encephalitis caused by West Nile Virus was in and around New York City late in the summer of 1999. Sixty-two cases were confirmed (mostly in elderly people), with seven deaths including one Canadian who had visited New York City during the time of the outbreak. In the summer of 2000, 21 cases were confirmed in New York City and the states of New Jersey and Connecticut, resulting in two deaths.
How is West Nile Virus spread?
People get West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito acquires the virus by feeding on infected birds. You can't get West Nile Virus from person-to-person contact or from handling dead birds.
What is the treatment for encephalitis from West Nile Virus?
No specific treatment or vaccination is available for encephalitis caused by West Nile Virus. For severe illness, supportive therapy is provided.
What is being done in response to the threat of West Nile Virus?
The provincial government is conducting a number of surveillance activities province-wide to identify the virus in birds, mosquitoes, and other animals including horses. These activities are designed to provide an early warning of an outbreak in humans. As well, active surveillance for human illness is being conducted through sentinel hospitals.
What can I do to protect myself?
Mosquitoes are most active between dusk, and dawn. If you need to be outside during this time, cover up and use insect repellant for extra protection.
What should I wear when working outside?
If you like to work outside, avoid early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most likely to keep you company.
Wear these types of light coloured clothing when going outside between dusk and dawn:
- long-sleeved shirts or jackets
- long pants
- pants tucked into socks for extra protection.
- The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to clean up areas where they like to breed.
- Take a look around your house and property and get rid of mosquito-friendly places. These include any type of standing water.
- Clean up and empty containers of standing water such as old tires, flower pots, wheelbarrows, barrels or tin cans that are outdoors.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of unused containers so water can't collect.
- Change water in birdbaths every other day.
- Cover rainwater barrels with mesh or screen.
- Don't allow any outside water to stand for more than four days.
- Water that collects on pool covers should be removed immediately.
- Make sure the pool's pump is circulating water properly.
- Turn wading pools over when not in use.
- Check eavestroughs, drains, and storm and roof gutters. If necessary, clean leaves and twigs from them, throughout the summer.
- Make sure drainage ditches are not clogged.
- Check flat roofs frequently for standing water.
- Yard and lawn maintenance is important.
- Think mosquito prevention when working in the yard. Immediately throw away lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees.
- Even the compost pile is not off limits to mosquitoes. Turn over compost frequently.
- Fill in low depressions in lawns.
- Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to breed and rest.
- Spread the word. Point out potential mosquito breeding areas to your neighbours.
More information is available at Health Canada and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Links:
Other Resources:
- WNV - General Information
- WNV - Mosquitoes
- WNV - Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites
- WNV - Mosquito Life Cycle
- WNV - Mosquito Traps
- WNV - Debunking Mosquito Myths
- WNV - Dead Bird Surveillance
- WNV - Protective Measures
- WNV - Insect Repellent with DEET
- WNV - Safety Tips on Using Insect Repellent
- WNV - Protect Yourself and Your Family from Mosquito Bites
- WNV - WNV and Pregnancy
- WNV - Seniors
- WNV - Outdoor Workers and Enthusiasts
- WNV - Schools, Summer Camps, and Daycares
- West Nile Virus resource order form
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