DURHAM -- It's that time of year again: the mosquitoes are back.
The Durham Regional Health Department begins surveillance activities for the 2008 West Nile virus (WNV) season on May 12 and residents are encouraged to report dead bird sightings.
Humans become infected with the virus through an infected mosquito bite while mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a bird that carries the disease.
The health department provides residents the option of reporting dead bird sightings online. The focus is on crows, blue jays, eagles, hawks and owls. If residents are unsure of the bird species, they should contact the health department which does not pick up birds that are unsuitable for testing. Not all birds collected are submitted for WNV testing.
Other birds should be disposed of using gloves or a shovel, placing the bird in a double plastic bag. Birds can be placed in the garbage or buried several feet underground.
Since 2001, WNV has been discovered in mosquitoes, birds, horses and humans in Ontario. In 2007, there were 15 confirmed human cases, which included one travel case in Durham Region. During last season's testing, Durham Region submitted 36 birds with three birds testing positive. In Ontario, 79 birds tested positive and 51 mosquito pools were infected with the virus. Durham reported no mosquito pools.
Some ways to reduce mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water around homes are: remove standing water from around the home; empty and clean bird baths weekly; check that roof gutters are clear and drained properly; make sure drainage ditches are not clogged; clean and chlorinate swimming pools; and, turn over compost piles frequently.
The health department recommends residents wear shoes, socks, and light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and full-length pants when outside, particularly in the evening, night or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Also, use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin.
The health department will have activities throughout the summer, such as an adult mosquito-trapping program, a larval mosquito surveillance program and a larviciding program. Public notification is provided before each activity.
For information on WNV, call the Health Department's Environmental Help Line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188. For further information visit www.region.durham.on.ca. Pictures of birds of interest are available at www.region.durham.on.ca.
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