The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes after a positive case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in an American Crow in East Ferris on Tuesday (July 8).
This is the first confirmed case of the virus in a bird in the Health Unit region this year.
Officials say there were three cases in birds last year, while one horse tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, another mosquito-borne disease.
While the risk of human infection is low, the Health Unit recommends reducing the risk with the following tips:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin when outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Eliminate standing water around the home where mosquitoes breed, such as in bird baths, rain gutters, and planters.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Rarely, more severe neurological symptoms can occur.
The Health Unit says anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
