LGL Area Low Risk Of Human West Nile Virus

Submitted by Kim McCann, BASc, CPHI(C), Public Health Inspector

Since West Nile virus was first identified in Ontario, the Health Unit has carried a number of surveillance activities including mosquito larvae control carried in 2003. Since then, data from our surveillance activities has indicated that our tri-county area is classified as being of very low risk of humans contracting this virus. 

In 2004, and in previous years, a number of dead birds were tested for this virus, the virus was not found in any of the birds submitted for testing. In cooperation with our municipalities, mosquitoes were trapped and tested; these also tested negative for the virus. 

The mosquito surveillance also indicated a very low number of those species of mosquitoes that are known to be potential carriers of this virus, and no human cases were reported.

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