Protection Against West Nile Virus Still Needed

Thursday, August 9, 2012

They may buzz and bother, but the potential for being infected with West Nile virus (WNV) from a mosquito remains an important reason to avoid being bitten. Everyone is at risk and precautions are needed to protect yourself and your family from WNV.

In Ontario last year, 71 human cases of WNV were reported. The virus has been found in birds, mosquitoes, horses, and humans. The first and only reported case of human WNV in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts was in 2006.

The Health Unit sets traps to identify the presence of mosquito species that are capable of spreading WNV and to determine if they are carrying the virus.

“We estimate the risk to people based on our mosquito surveillance activities,” said Holly Browne, a manager with the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Division. “But there is no way to predict whether there will be human cases in any given year.”
So far this year, the Health Unit has not detected the virus in any of the trapped mosquitoes.

Whether you are in your backyard, exploring local trails, or vacationing, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Here’s how:

Use an insect repellent.
If possible, stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, socks, and a hat whenever you are outdoors.
Check all window and door screens in your home to ensure that there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through.

Mosquitoes need only a small amount of calm, standing water to lay their eggs and for larvae to hatch. Change or remove standing water once a week from the following areas that can hold water:

bird baths
old tires or unused vehicles
containers, barrels, cans, and bottle tops
flower pot saucers
swimming pool covers, wading pools
clogged gutters, eavestroughs, or drainage ditches
unused children’s toys

For information about West Nile virus, visit www.sdhu.com or call 705.522.9200, toll-free 1.866.522.9200.