West Nile Virus activity on the rise in Peel

Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga all have West Nile Virus activity. Peel's first WNV-positive birds, one in central Brampton and two in Caledon, were confirmed Aug. 9.

There have also been two new WNV-positive mosquito batches confirmed in Mississauga, bringing Peel's number of positive mosquito batches to three, all of them in Mississauga. There are no human cases in Peel.

"The hot and rainy weather we've been experiencing is ideal for mosquito breeding," said Dr. Megan Ward, acting medical officer of health. "Trends from past years have shown that the risk for human WNV infection increases from late July to the end of September. We ask residents to do their part to protect themselves and reduce mosquito breeding."

Most human infections result in no or mild symptoms. The most common symptoms reported from those who contract the virus include extreme tiredness, muscle aches, a fever, frontal headache and a skin rash. More serious symptoms can include neck stiffness, muscle weakness and confusion.

If you have concerns or are feeling sick, seek medical attention. Extreme swelling or infection at a mosquito bite site does not mean you are infected with WNV, but may also require medical attention.

To reduce the risk of WNV, residents are reminded to:

* Avoid areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity increases. * Wear light-coloured

clothing and cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants and a hat.

* Use a mosquito repellent and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

* Report dead crows, blue jays and stagnant water (water that collects and stays for longer than seven days) immediately; drain areas of standing or stagnant water on your property, remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, change water in birdbaths frequently and keep your eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water.

For more information about how to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, how to protect yourself and your family from WNV, visit peel-bugbite.ca.

To report dead crows or blue jays, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Caledon residents call toll free at 905-584-2216.