Halton Hills bird tests positive for West Nile

A bird has test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Halton Hills.

This is the first bird to test positive for the virus this year.

WNV circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird.

“Halton Region Public Health works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” says Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health. “Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites. Four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, while others may develop a febrile illness consisting of fever, headache, muscle aches and rash. Some individuals may develop more severe illness involving the central nervous system. This may include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).”

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

• Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed), and at any time in shady, wooded areas. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly woven fabric.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.

Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year are available on the West Nile Virus page on halton.ca. For more information about West Nile virus or to report standing water at public facilities, please visit halton.ca or call 311.

Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative at 1-866-673-4781.

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