HAMILTON, ON – August 5, 2005 – The confirmation of West Nile virus in a dead crow today, along with two more presumptive positive tests in dead crows in Hamilton this week, indicates that the virus remains active in the city this year as in previous mosquito seasons. The first confirmed WNV positive crow of the season was picked up on July 28, in the lower east area of the city. Two other crows, picked up in the lower central area of the city on July 29 and the east mountain on August 2, have tested positive in preliminary tests, with confirmatory testing pending. To date this year there are no reported human cases of West Nile virus and no positive mosquito results in Hamilton.
“The risk for human cases of West Nile Virus infection increases at this time of year, increasing the importance of taking measures to protect against mosquito bites,” said Doctor Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton. Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms or a very mild illness with fever. A small proportion may develop a more serious illness, in some cases inflammation of the brain, the lining of the brain or the spinal cord. The incubation period, after being bitten by an infected mosquito, is two to 14 days.
The City of Hamilton continually assesses the risk for human illness and has a comprehensive surveillance and prevention program. As part of its prevention efforts, the City recently completed the second of four rounds of larviciding treatments in street catchbasins. The third and fourth rounds are scheduled for August and September respectively. Treatment is ongoing for selected surface waters on public land.
Public Health & Community Services reminds residents to use personal protection measures, which include: avoiding areas with high mosquito populations; wearing light-coloured, tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeves, pants and a hat, to cover exposed skin; using a mosquito repellent containing DEET (manufacturer's instructions should be followed carefully); making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition; and taking extra precaution from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is particularly high. Residents should also reduce standing water around their homes and businesses.
For additional information on West Nile virus or questions about dead birds, standing water, mosquito control, or human health, please call the department’s Health Protection Branch at 905-546-3575 or visit on line at http://www.hamilton.ca/westnile
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Media Contact:
Susan Harding-Cruz
West Nile virus Program Manager 905-546-2424 Ext. 3576