Second bird in Durham this summer to test positive for virus
Aug 08, 2008 - 05:04 PM
By Reka Szekely
PORT PERRY -- A second crow in Durham has tested positive for West Nile virus, after being picked up in Port Perry.
The bird was found Aug. 5 and sent for testing to a Guelph lab. The first infected crow of the summer was picked up on July 24 in Uxbridge.
“What it tells us is West Nile Virus is present in the region and nothing more than that, it doesn’t tell us one area is more at risk than the others,” said Neal Mattes, senior inspector for the health department.
Mr. Mattes said everyone should take precautions against mosquitoes, which transmit the virus.
“We know that it’s present in the region and we would advise people in Pickering to take the same precautions as those in Beaverton.”
The Region monitors for West Nile virus starting in May each summer. So far, it has submitted 31 dead birds for testing. Residents are urged to report sightings of dead crows, ravens, blue jays and raptors like eagles, hawks and owls by visiting the Region’s website at www.region.durham.on.ca or by calling the environmental help line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613, ext. 2188.
“It’s the mosquitoes that transmit the virus and it just so happens the birds are more susceptible,” said Mr. Mattes. “We can get bitten by the same mosquitoes. It’s the same virus that affects the birds that would affect us.”
Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans are similar to other illnesses and include headaches, muscle aches, tiredness and a slight fever.
“Most people will feel no ill effects at all, it’s a very small percentage of the population that exhibit symptoms and need medical assistance,” he said.
Latest News
Whitby native wins $35 millionTORONTO -- Jason Rinaldi left work Thursday in his Chevy Cavalier. But he'll be coming back in a brand spanking new black Corvette. Mr. Rinaldi, 28, a native of Whitby who...
Candidates bring out the platformsDURHAM -- The platforms were followed as candidates in Ajax-Pickering Riding were put to the test during an all-candidates debate. Hosted by the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade ...
Ajax fire hall a LEED-erAJAX -- One of the ironies of the new Ajax fire hall is federal gas tax money was used to make the building more environmentally friendly. Among the dignitaries on hand last ...
Durham College staff reach a deal to avert strike
DURHAM -- College support staff have signed and sealed a deal, eliminating any potential for a strike this year. Support staff at Ontario’s 24 community colleges, ...
Region and union head to mediation next weekDURHAM -- Durham's outdoor workers are set to walk off the job as early as Oct. 13, but both sides say they're still looking for a deal. About 370 members of the ...
Blackstock teen missingDURHAM -- Durham Regional Police are asking for help finding a teenage girl from Blackstock who may be with a 22-year-old man she met on the Internet. Police Thursday night ...
Humour, poise helped boys endure night in forestBOWMANVILLE -- Lost and huddling together to ward off the dark and cold, the boys turned to Commander Blue Jay for help with their plight. "Tell the police that we're ...
Shields appearance at CAW hall riles activistOSHAWA -- Recent endorsements of an NDP candidate by Canadian Auto Workers officials in Oshawa have led an activist to accuse the union local of breaching rules limiting ...
September car sales good for import nameplatesDURHAM -- Cars with import nameplates had a decent sales month in September, but the same was not true of American-based autos. Overall, overseas-based automakers' sales ...
Durham cops vote in favour of job actionDURHAM -- Police officers in Durham Region could be donning ball caps and handing out information packages to the public as early as next week as a means of expressing their ...