PORT HOPE, ON (September 5, 2024) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is notifying the public that an American Crow found in Dunsford, City of Kawartha Lakes, has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first confirmed positive case of WNV in the district area this season.

HKPR District Health Unit actively monitors WNV activity throughout the summer by conducting mosquito surveillance across the district. While no positive human cases were detected last year, the presence of the virus in a bird serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk.

"Finding West Nile Virus in a bird indicates that the virus is present in our environment, and residents should take appropriate precautions," said Richard Ovcharovich, Environmental Health Manager with the HKPR District Health Unit. "We urge everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes around their homes and properties."

West Nile Virus is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will not exhibit symptoms, however, some may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, WNV can lead to more severe symptoms, particularly in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Preventative Measures for West Nile Virus

Cover Up and Clean Up:

• Prevent Mosquito Bites: When outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Use insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin.
• Clean Up: Eliminate standing water around your home, including in flowerpots, old tires, wheelbarrows, and clogged gutters, as these can be breeding sites for mosquitoes. Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your indoor spaces.

Tick Awareness and Prevention

In addition to WNV, it is also important to remain vigilant against ticks during this time of year. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. The HKPR District Health Unit encourages residents to take steps to prevent tick bites when spending time outdoors:

• Cover Up: Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when walking in wooded or grassy areas. Tuck pants into socks or boots to prevent ticks from attaching to your skin.
• Use Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing.
• Check for Ticks: After being outdoors, check your body, children, and pets for ticks. Pay special attention to areas like the groin, scalp, and armpits.
• Remove Ticks Promptly: If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out without twisting.
• Identify: Send picture of the tick to etick.ca website to identify if the tick is a black legged tick that can carry Lyme disease. Results can help your health care provider decide what further care is needed.
• See a health care practitioner: When a tick is found engorged on a person, it has been attached for >24 hrs. Antibiotics are recommended when engorged tick is acquired from an endemic area.

For more information on West Nile Virus, tick prevention and removal as well as other related health tips, please visit hkpr.on.ca/FightTheBite.

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