London, ON – The Middlesex-London Health Unit has received a report from Public Health Ontario’s Toronto Laboratory of a probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. The results of further tests are pending before the case can be confirmed as West Nile Virus. So far this summer, Public Health Ontario has reported one confirmed human case as well as one probable case of West Nile Virus, and 41 positive mosquito traps across Ontario.

Locally, the Health Unit has reported that three dead crows, one each in London, Dorchester and Parkhill, and one mosquito trap located in North London have tested positive for the virus.

“With our first probable human case, in addition to the three positive birds and the positive mosquito trap we’ve already seen this summer, it’s clear West Nile Virus is in London and Middlesex County again,” says Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “What we know from this first probable human case is that there are enough West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes that there is a heightened risk for people to become infected. That risk will be with us until the first hard frost this fall.”

Residents can protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites by wearing loose fitting, light-coloured long-sleeved tops and pants, and by using an insect repellant which contains DEET. Members of the public can also help control mosquito populations by emptying standing water from the places it accumulates on their property, including eaves troughs, flower pots, children’s toys and old tires. It is also important to change water in birdbaths every other day and to add a fountain or pump to ornamental ponds. The Health Unit also recommends people avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes tend to be most active.

Tips to protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus:

• Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when the insects are most active.
• Use an insect repellent with DEET. Follow directions for use, especially for children.
• Fix holes in screens, windows and doors.
• Regularly empty standing water from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items around homes and yards.
• Clean clogged eaves troughs.
• Clean and change water in bird baths every two days.
• Keep pool pumps circulating.
• Aerate ponds or stock them with fish.
• Cover openings in rain barrels.

As part of its WNV surveillance activities, the Health Unit is asking anyone who finds a dead crow or blue jay to report it by calling 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or by submitting a report online at: www.healthunit.com/report-a-dead-bird.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570

Spokespeople:
Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Associate Medical Officer of Health
Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Diseases Coordinator