HAMILTON, ON – August 12, 2005 – The City of Hamilton has received confirmation of the first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool for 2005. The mosquitoes were collected in a trap in the central mountain area of the city. To-date this season, there are no reported human cases and three positive birds in Hamilton. The mosquitoes were collected on August 3 2005.
“Residents are reminded to be vigilant when it comes to personal protection measures to prevent getting West Nile virus infection,” said Susan Harding-Cruz, West Nile Manager for the City of Hamilton. “We’re now entering the key time of the year for West Nile virus and this summer has provided ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Therefore, it will be important for the City to continue to monitor and control for the virus throughout the remainder of the mosquito season.”
The City is continuing to treat street catchbasins and selected surface waters on public land. Surface waters that may be located near the trap will be monitored and treated if necessary. The third round of catchbasin treatments began Wednesday, August 10th, with the fourth and final round to occur in September.
Personal protection measures include: using a mosquito repellent containing DEET (manufacturer's instructions should be followed carefully), or lemon eucalyptus (available in some health food stores) 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 (in trails or where there is dense bush); 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 look at reducing standing water around their homes and businesses.
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, of the lining of the brain or of the spinal cord. The incubation period, after being bitten by an infected mosquito, is two to 14 days.
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 Contacts:
Susan Harding Cruz
Manager, West Nile virus and Rabies Control
Public Health and Community Services 905 546-2424 ext 3576