News Release                             For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                       August 7, 2008

Bird Positive for West Nile Virus

A dead Eastern Loggerhead Shrike in Grey Bruce tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). This is the first WNv positive bird in the region this year. The bird was found last week in the Dyer’s Bay area.

Monitoring dead birds is a predictor for the presence of WNv.  In Ontario, twenty-three birds have tested positive for WNv this summer.  There have not been any human cases.

This is the time of year when the risk of contracting West Nile virus is highest. Public Health encourages residents and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

 To reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations

• Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high

• Wear protective light-coloured clothing

• Use repellents containing DEET (follow label instructions carefully)

• Repair holes in screens, windows and doors to stop mosquitoes from getting into your home

• Reduce the mosquito population around your property by eliminating standing water

Eighty percent of people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience symptoms consisting of fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. Less than l% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.

Residents are urged to continue to report dead birds to the Grey Bruce Health Unit.

To report dead crows, blue jays or ravens call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or

1-800-263-3456. For more information visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Karen Sweiger, RN, BScN

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 230