Peel reports first West Nile virus positive crow

A dead crow found Aug. 17 near the area of Williams Parkway and Airport Road in Brampton is the first bird to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Region of Peel in 2007. To date, Peel has no confirmed WNV-positive batches of mosquitoes and no human cases.

"This is the peak time for West Nile Virus, so it is not a big surprise to find our first positive bird in the Region," said Dr. David Mowat, the Peel's medical officer of health. "We encourage all residents to continue using personal protection measures against West Nile Virus infection."

Residents should:

- Avoid areas with high mosquito populations.

- Wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, pants and a hat, to cover exposed skin, even in your own backyard.

- Use only those personal insect repellents that are registered for use in Canada and remember to apply repellent according to the manufacturer's directions.

- Drain any areas of stagnant water on your property. Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, and frequently change the water in birdbaths. Also, keep your eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water.

- Take extra precaution from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is higher. If possible stay indoors.

So far this season in Ontario, there have been 55 WNV-positive birds and 12 WNV-positive mosquito batches. Two human cases of WNV infection have been reported - one case in Windsor-Essex and one in Thunder Bay.

In the regions neighbouring Peel, WNV-positive birds have been reported in York Region, Wellington- Dufferin County, Halton Region and Simcoe- Muskoka County. Two WNV-positive mosquito batches have been found in both Toronto and Halton Region.

To report dead crows and blue jays, call Peel Public Health from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and statutory holidays.

For more information on WNV please visit www.peel-bugbite.ca or call Peel Public Health at 905- 799-7700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Caledon residents can call toll free at 905-584-2216.