News Release                   For Immediate Release:

May 31, 2005

2005 West Nile Virus Mosquito Trapping

During the summer of 2004, four birds submitted for testing from Grey-Bruce were positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Since mosquitoes feed on birds it is possible that now mosquitoes in this area have the virus. Public Health will be trapping mosquitoes to test for WNV from June 6 until September 16, 2005.

Mosquitoes must be caught alive in order to test for WNV. To trap mosquitoes, Public Health uses a black-light trap, set on private property. Dry ice and a black light attract the mosquitoes. They are then blown into a netted section by a small fan, where they become trapped.

Traps will be located in areas where mosquitoes are found, but away from people, such as shaded areas near trees and shrubs. Human contact will be minimized as the mosquitoes are more likely to fly to a trap than to people.

For more information please call 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Susan Shular

Program Manager: Communicable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420  or 1-800-263-3456