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West Nile Virus |
Quick Facts
- West Nile Virus is carried by certain mosquitoes and is now present in Ontario.
- Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds.
- The virus can spread to humans when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes.
- There are no cases of humans being infected by another person or by a bird or animal.
- Most people who contract the virus do not become ill at all; some may experience mild flu-like symptoms. However the elderly, the very young and people with compromised immune
systems may develop more severe symptoms including severe headache, high fever, stiff
neck, muscle weakness and disorientation. In rare cases, deaths have occurred.
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Take action on your farm to
prevent mosquito breeding
areas. |
Mosquitoes use areas of standing water as breeding
sites. Be aware of all standing water areas around your
property, and prevent or drain them wherever you can. |
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Prevent standing water
around your property. |
Mosquito eggs and larvae can develop in even small
amounts of any standing water, that is allowed to stand
for 4 days or more. |
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You can take simple steps
to prevent mosquito
breeding sites. |
Fill in low areas to prevent puddles from forming.
Keep your farm free of containers and debris that can
collect water. Old tires should be stored under cover, or
if that isn't possible, drill drainage holes in them to allow
water to empty. Also clean your eaves troughs regularly.
Aerate ponds, or stock them with fish.
If you have a rain barrel, cover it tightly with window
screen or plastic. |
Protect yourself from
mosquito bites.
- Wear light coloured
clothing - long pants
and a long sleeve shirt.
- Use an insect repellent
that contains >30%
DEET.
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Important notes about DEET:
- Do not use DEET on infants or pregnant women.
- Do not allow young children to apply DEET themselves.
Apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.
- DEET is effective for approximately 4 hours.
- Avoid prolonged or excessive use of DEET.
- Apply sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing.
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Report dead Crows and
Blue Jays to your local
Health Unit. |
If you find a dead Crow or Blue Jay on your property,
please call your local Health Unit. The health unit may
wish to test it for the presence of the West Nile Virus. |
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For more information about
West Nile Virus |
Contact your local Health Unit or check the Ontario
Ministry of Health and Long-term Care web site. |
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