Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has reported a positive case of West Nile virus (WNv) in the Greater Sudbury region. PHSD said it received confirmation that an American crow had been discovered that had tested positive. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes spread the virus by feeding on infected birds, a health unit press release said. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans and other animals. The American crow is considered a common bird in most of Canada according to the Audubon Field Guide. PHSD said local surveillance so far this year has not detected virus in any mosquitoes collected this year. WNv-positive mosquitoes were last detected in the area in 2018, the health unit said. Jon Groulx, director in PHSD’s Health Protection division, said the risk is low, but the virus is still out there and late summer is the main time for concern. “In our service area this year, there have been no confirmed cases of infection with the virus or mosquitoes carrying the virus. However, this positive bird reminds us that although the overall risk of a person becoming infected is low, the virus is still present,” Groulx said. “Therefore, taking precautions to avoid West Nile virus infection is important,” Groulx added. The health unit said most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, while others may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, mild rash and swollen lymph nodes. In very rare cases the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause severe symptoms. PHSD said late summer is usually the time of greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus because mosquitoes can carry higher levels of the virus at this time. The end of summer can be when people are not as careful about protecting themselves from mosquito bites. Here are some simple steps you can take to continue to protect yourself and your family:
Reduce risk around the home. Install or repair screens. Remove standing water from your home where mosquitoes can breed. Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200 (toll free at 1-866-522-9200) or visit www.phsd.ca.
