Home » News & Alerts » Alerts » Positive case of West Nile virus in a bird reported by Public Health Sudbury & Districts Posted: Thursday, September 8, 2022
Public Health Sudbury & Districts has received confirmation that an American crow in the Greater Sudbury area has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv).
Through Public Health surveillance activities to date, the virus has not been detected in any mosquitoes collected this year. WNv positive mosquitoes were last detected in the area in 2018.
“In our service area this year, there have been no confirmed cases of people infected with the virus or mosquitoes carrying the virus. However, this positive bird reminds us that although the overall risk of a person becoming infected is low, the virus is still present,” said Jon Groulx, manager of Public Health’s health protection division. “Therefore, it is important to take precautions to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus,” Groulx added.
West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, while others may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, mild rashes and swollen lymph nodes. In very rare cases, the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause severe symptoms.
The end of summer is usually the time of greatest risk for contracting West Nile virus. Mosquitoes can carry higher levels of the virus at this time, and this is when people may not be as careful to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Here are some simple steps you can take to continue to protect yourself and your family:
Reduce risk at home
- Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to go indoors. Keep them out by having tight-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
- Remove standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can breed.
Personal precautions
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, light-colored shoes and socks outside, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1.866.673.4781.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll free at 1.866.522.9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
This article was last modified on September 8, 2022
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