On September 16, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health received notification of a positive test for West Nile Virus in a dead crow found in Dufferin County. There are currently no human cases in the region.
“If a bird tests positive for West Nile Virus, it means the mosquitos that can transmit the virus to humans are present in our region,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “While most people who are infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, about one in five people can develop headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. For a small amount of people, West Nile Virus can cause serious symptoms or death.”
The most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to reduce your chances of being bit by a mosquito by wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants), using an approved mosquito repellant and repairing holes in screen doors and windows. Another way to protect yourself from West Nile is to reduce places where mosquitos can breed by removing any standing water from your property.
For more information on West Nile Virus – including how to submit a dead bird for testing – please visit wdgpublichealth.ca/mosquitoes.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376