News Release                   For Immediate Release

July 24, 2003

GREY BRUCE -Two more crows have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) this week.  One bird was found near Tara (Arran-Elderslie) and the other near Durham (West Grey).

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.  They become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds.  An infected mosquito can then transmit West Nile Virus to humans, birds and animals when it takes a blood meal. 

“It is worth noting that West Nile Virus has still not been found in any mosquitoes in Grey and Bruce Counties.  To date in Ontario only one mosquito pool has tested positive.   Canada has no confirmed human cases,” says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health for Grey-Bruce. 

Mosquito testing traps have been in Grey and Bruce Counties since June. The Grey Bruce Health Unit will increase mosquito surveillance in those areas where the positive birds have been found.

Although most people who become infected usually experience mild symptoms such as fever or headaches, in a small number of cases more severe symptoms including inflammation of the brain and, on rare occasions, death can occur.

To protect yourself and your family, you need to take the following common sense precautions:

·        Try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk and dawn).

·        When you do go outside, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

·        Use insect repellent with DEET and be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations

·        Reduce or eliminate pools of standing water where mosquitoes can live and breed such as rain barrels, ponds, birdbaths, pool covers, boats or canoes, old tires and flowerpots.

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

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For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

(519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-2345