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City of Hamilton - Public Health Services
West Nile virus monitoring begins
Hamilton, ON – June 24, 2009 – Public Health Services is asking City Of Hamilton residents to participate in its West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. Residents can call 905-546-3575 or email westnile@hamilton.ca to report dead birds or standing water.
Reporting dead birds is important as it assists in the early detection of local West Nile virus activity. With an increase in the number of dead birds, appropriate measures to decrease the risk to human health can be implemented. The public is also asked to report standing water as these are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The Standing water by-law is in effect from April 1 to October 31 and applies to the private and public properties within the urban areas of the city.
"The most important ways the public can help to control West Nile Virus are to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their own home, report dead birds and standing water to Public Health, and protecting themselves by covering up and wearing insect repellent containing DEET when enjoying the outdoors," says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Hamilton's Medical Officer of Health.
This year a registry has been added so that residents who sign up can receive special notification if the City of Hamilton were to undertake spraying for adult mosquito control. This measure has not been necessary in Ontario, however, if it was planned for West Nile virus control residents in the affected area would be notified as well as anyone who signed up for the registry. Residents can sign up for the registry by calling 905-546-3575 or email westnile@hamilton.ca
Public Health Services will also continue annual control strategies, including:
- checking mosquito breeding sites on City lands
- treating developing mosquitoes in City land surface waters from May to October
- treating catch basins in June, July, and August
- setting adult mosquito traps weekly mid-June to fall frost
- conducting human surveillance all year
- assessing the ongoing risk to the public and controlling mosquitoes when necessary
For additional information on West Nile virus please see the City of Hamilton West Nile virus Web site at www.hamilton.ca/westnile.
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Media Contact:
Susan Harding Cruz
Manager, West Nile virus Program Manager
905-546-2424 ext 3576
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