A bird found in Halton Hills has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the first positive bird for Halton this year.
WNV circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird.
"Halton Region Public Health works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding. Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites," said Dr. Deepika Lobo, Medical Officer of Health. "Four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, while others may develop a febrile illness consisting of fever, headache, muscle aches and rash. Some individuals may develop more severe illness involving the central nervous system. This may include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)."
Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
- Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed), and at any time in shady, wooded areas. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly woven fabric.
- Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
- Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
- Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year are available on the West Nile Virus page on halton.ca. For more information about West Nile virus or to report standing water at public facilities, please visit halton.ca or call 311.
Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Co-operative (external link) at 1-866-673-4781.
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 637,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.