Wellington Advertiser
West Nile virus found in dead bird in Guelph
GUELPH – While there are currently no confirmed human cases in the region, public health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid mosquitoes after a dead bird in Guelph tested positive for West Nile virus.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) announced on July 16 that the virus was confirmed in a dead crow found in the city.
That “means that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present locally,” stated Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health.
“While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”
WDGPH officials say the most effective way to avoid West Nile virus “is to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing light-coloured clothing (including long sleeves and pants), using an approved mosquito repellant and repairing holes in screen doors and windows.
“Also, protect yourself from West Nile by reducing breeding places for mosquitos by removing standing water from your property including draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids’ pools and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features.”
For more information on West Nile virus, including how to submit a dead bird for testing, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/mosquitoes.
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