Local Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) have discovered a local bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), announced on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.
The bird was found dead in the region early in the month and submitted for testing. Birds and mosquitos can be a host and carry WNV.
During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing according to a press release. Last year, PPH reports that no mosquitos tested in the Peterborough region were positive for WNV but there were confirmed human cases in Ontario.
The majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20 per cent of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eye pain. Less than one percent of infected people will develop neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected.
To prevent WNV:
Avoid interacting with dead birds
If one is found on your property, use a shovel and gloves to pick it up and double bag it.
Report the bird to Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water
Prevent mosquito bites
Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn
Use insect repellant containing DEET or icaridin, following manufacturer’s instructions
Remove brush and standing water from property as they use this as a habitat
