London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting the City of London’s first probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the summer of 2012. To date, there have been 27 probable and confirmed human cases of WNV in Ontario, as well as 249 WNV positive mosquito traps.
So far, the Health Unit has reported that 15 dead crows and nine of its traps have tested positive for the WNV. Both the traps and the dead crows were collected from various London locations and from the County of Middlesex.
“This emphasizes the need for everyone in our community to take precautions,” says Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “It’s important to cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and use an insect repellant that contains DEET when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.”
To reduce mosquito populations, residents can remove standing water on their property by emptying eaves troughs, flower pots, children’s toys and other places around the yard where water accumulates, as well as regularly changing water in birdbaths and adding a fountain or pump to ornamental ponds.
Other great tips to help protect yourself and your family against WNV include:
- Wearing light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present
- When using an insect repellent with DEET follow directions for use, especially for children
- Fixing holes in screens, windows and doors
- Keeping pool pumps circulating
- Covering openings in rain barrels
Recently, the Health Unit completed its third round of treating approximately 35,000 catch basins, totaling over 100,000 catch basin treatments in London and Middlesex County with larvicide in an effort to control the mosquito population. The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team is continuing to monitor and control approximately 250 standing water locations.
To report a dead crow or blue jay, call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or submit the information needed using the online Dead Blue Jay and Crow Reporting Form.
Media Contact:
Alex Tyml, Online Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2560 or 226-236-1941 (cell.)
Spokespeople:
Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator