Helping Protect our Community from West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus was first isolated near New York City in 1999. The Virus has not yet been isolated in Ontario but during 2000 it progressed to within 40 kilometres of our Health Unit. The Government of Ontario established active and passive surveillance for this virus in the bird, mosquito and human populations because of bird migratory patterns in Ontario. Sentinel surveillance is continuing to be conducted in various areas from Brockville to Windsor, Ontario. This year, public health units in Ontario are asked to pick up dead crows, blue jays and ravens found in their districts and submit these for laboratory analysis. In 2000, our Health Unit submitted a total of 102 dead birds. Public information on various aspects of protection and prevention procedures has been released to advise the general public. The best way to control mosquitoes on your property is to reduce or eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes can breed, especially small pools of water that are allowed to stand for at least 7 days. For more information on how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus, please contact us or visit our website.

“The best way to control mosquitoes on your property is to reduce or eliminate any standing water where mosquitoes can breed, especially small pools of water that are allowed to stand for at least 7 days.”