Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health received notification of a positive test for West Nile Virus in a dead crow found in the city of Guelph. There are currently no human cases in the region.
“The detection of West Nile Virus in a dead bird in our region means that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present locally,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”
The most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus is to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants), using an approved mosquito repellant and repairing holes in screen doors and windows. Also, protect yourself from West Nile by reducing breeding places for mosquitos by removing standing water from your property including draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids’ pools and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features.
For more information on West Nile Virus – including how to submit a dead bird for testing – please visit wdgpublichealth.ca/mosquitoes.
Media Contact
Chuck Ferguson
Communications Manager
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4374
Chuck.ferguson@wdgpublichealth.ca