Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has reported the first confirmed case of West Nile virus with a dead crow found in Erin that tested positive for the virus.
“Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus. Once the virus is found in a bird population, we know the mosquitoes are infected,” said Cameron Clark, program manager for health protection at WDGPH.
“It’s like an early warning system. If the mosquitoes are infected, it’s a sign that people living in that area are at a greater risk of West Nile virus.”
WDGPH suggested residents continue to follow ongoing recommendations to reduce mosquito breeding sites by getting rid of standing water around homes and businesses.
As well, people should take personal protective measures, including applying insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), and covering up when outdoors for an extended period of time or when mosquitoes are active.
For more information about West Nile virus, personal protection measures or reporting and collection of dead crows and blue jays, call the WDGPH dead bird hotline at 519-846-2715 or 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4617. Additional information is available at www.wdghu.org.
