West Nile virus case confirmed in dead crow in öÏÓãÊÓƵapp
A dead crow in öÏÓãÊÓƵapp tested positive for West Nile virus, indicating local presence of infected mosquitoes and urging precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
A dead crow in öÏÓãÊÓƵapp has tested positive for West Nile virus, stated Wellington-Dufferin-öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Public Health.
There have been no reported human cases in Wellington County.
“The detection of West Nile virus in a dead bird in our region means that mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus are present locally,†said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, associate medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Public Health, in a release.
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“While the risk of severe illness is low, we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites.â€
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus is to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves and pants, using an approved mosquito repellent and repairing holes in screen doors and windows.
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Also, remove standing water from property, including draining potential reservoirs like flowerpots and kids’ pools, and by frequently replacing water in bird baths and other water features.
There have been no reports of West Nile virus this year in Waterloo Region, but in September 2024, there were two confirmed cases of West Nile virus for the first time since 2018.
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The cases followed a hot summer with lots of rain, ideal conditions for mosquitoes.
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Most people do not experience any symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. For those who do, symptoms occur two to 15 days following infection. Symptoms may include mild fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, swollen glands and skin rash.
Less than one per cent of human cases develop more severe symptoms. Persons who develop symptoms of West Nile virus after getting a mosquito bite should see a doctor.
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Bill Doucet is an award-winning reporter/photographer with the
Waterloo Region Record. Reach him at bdoucet@therecord.com.
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