Peel monitors for West Nile virus

The Region of Peel is now actively monitoring for the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Peel. The Region is asking residents to report dead crows and blue jays as well as stagnant water locations.

"This information will assist us with identifying West Nile Virus in Peel and assessing its risk to human health," said Dr. David Mowat, the Peel's medical officer of health. "We are asking all Peel residents to be aware of the risk of West Nile Virus illness and use personal protection when outdoors this summer."

For more information about WNV, personal protection, measures to reduce stagnant water and updates on the status of WNV in Peel, visit peelbugbite. ca or call the Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700.

To report dead crow or blue jay sightings, call 905- 799-7700, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays and statutory holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Caledon residents can call toll-free at 905-584- 2216. It is not necessary to report other types of dead birds.

Stagnant water can be reported at 905-799-7700 or online at peel-bugbite.ca. Stagnant water with a high organic level that stays for longer than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes, especially as the weather gets warmer. By eliminating or treating stagnant water we can reduce the mosquito population.

Peel Public Health is also asking homeowners to keep mosquitoes out of their backyards and follow these tips:

* Clear leaves and twigs from eavestroughs.

* Change water in birdbaths weekly.

* Turn over wading pools when they are not in use.

* Fill in low depressions on lawn areas.

* Empty or dispose of containers that can hold water such as old tires, wheelbarrows, barrels, pails, toys, and recycling bins.

* Remove water that collects on pool covers and make sure the pool's pump is circulating.

* Ensure flowerpots saucers, window boxes and planters drain properly.

* Check all windows and door screens to ensure there are no tears or holes.

* Place a fine mesh screen over rain barrels.

The 2007 West Nile Virus Prevention Plan includes public education, monitoring for WNV in birds, mosquitoes and humans, and mosquito larviciding.

The larviciding program started May 7 and involves applying environmentally friendly products to reduce mosquito larvae (immature mosquitoes) living in stagnant water. The products are being applied to municipal catch basins and selected municipal surface water sites. Only those sites that contain larvae of mosquitoes known to carry WNV will be treated. Larviciding will be carried out in Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga.

To update the 2007 plan, Peel Public Health has worked closely with the three municipalities, Credit Valley Conservation and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The plan is based on recommendations from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Canada and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control.

For more information about WNV, mosquito control, personal protection from mosquito bites, measures to reduce stagnant water and updates on dead bird surveillance, visit peelbugbite. ca or call the Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700.