Thursday, August 01, 2013
First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus
Ottawa– Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reminding residents to take necessary precautions against mosquito bites when going outdoors. Our routine surveillance has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Ottawa mosquito population again this year.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection spread by mosquitoes that, in a small number of cases, can cause serious illness. Most people will not develop symptoms if infected with WNV, but some individuals – particularly the elderly or those with weakened immune systems – may experience flu-like symptoms.
OPH urges residents to do their part in protecting themselves and their families from mosquito bites by:
- Reducing standing water sites around your home (bird baths, toys, flower pot saucers, swimming pool covers, etc.)
- Applying an approved mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing
- Avoiding going out at dawn and at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
- Wearing light coloured and tightly woven clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin
- Making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition
- Ensure rain barrels are covered at all times
OPH has a proactive plan to deal with WNV which includes weekly tests and surveillance of natural and manmade standing water sites located on City property, such as ditches and storm water management ponds. As part of this plan, OPH utilizes larvicides when appropriate in City-owned roadside storm sewers to reduce the mosquito population.
For additional information on West Nile Virus, visit ottawa.ca/health or call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with us on Tumblr, Facebook,Twitter (@ottawahealth) and now on Pinterest.
|