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County of Lambton
Community Health Services Department
160 Exmouth St.
Point Edward, ON, Canada
N7T 7Z6
phone: (519) 383-8331
fax: (519) 383-7092
toll free: 1-800-667-1839
Email Us
Forest Office
59 King Street West
Forest, ON, Canada
N0N 1J0
phone: (519) 786-2148
fax: (519) 786-2149
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Home>Health Information>Environmental Health>West
Nile Virus Fact Sheets l Reporting Dead Birds l
Related Links
Environmental Health and Prevention Services
This page was reviewed or revised on Friday, May 14, 2010.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a virus
spread by mosquitoes that can cause illness in humans. It was first
identified in the province of West Nile, Uganda in 1937. West Nile virus
activity has been found in Lambton County since 2001.
In 2009, there were no human
cases of West Nile virus infection reported in Lambton County.
The preceding text
is an excerpt from the WNV Fact Sheet Update 2010,
please
click here to view the complete PDF version of this fact sheet
(dated April 23, 2010).
How is West Nile Spread?
West Nile
is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Birds carry the virus; mosquitoes bite the birds and become infected.
However, not all mosquitoes are infected with the virus.
There is no evidence to
suggest that West Nile virus can spread directly from person to person.
There is also no evidence that the virus spreads directly from birds or
animals to humans.
The virus can also be spread by:
*These account for only a few cases.
Who is At Risk?
West Nile virus can affect people of any age and health. People with
weakened immune systems and those over the age of 50 are at greater risk
of developing serious illness from West Nile.
The Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Most people who become infected
with West Nile do not get sick. For those who do become ill, symptoms
occur 2-15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms can
include mild fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, and sore
muscles.
In a few cases, the virus may
cause swelling of the brain. This can result in the rapid onset of a severe
headache, muscle weakness, high fever, stiff neck, and confusion. Long-term
effects include tiredness, memory problems and depression.
West Nile Virus Protection
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You can protect yourself and your family
by reducing the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.
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Apply an insect repellent containing DEET
to clothing or skin. (Use a product that has no more than 30% DEET for
adults). Avoid eyes and mouth.
-
Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric
Society advises that children aged 6 months to 2 years may receive 1
application per day of a product containing 10% DEET or less if chances
of being bitten are high. Do not use DEET on children under 6 months of
age.
-
For children aged 2-12 years, use a
product with 10% DEET or less. Do not apply to the face and hands. Limit
to less than 3 times a day.
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Take extra care when outdoors between dusk
and early morning when mosquito activity is high.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when
outdoors.
-
Ensure door and window screens fit tightly
and do not have holes.
Reduce Mosquito Populations
Mosquitoes require stagnant water
to lay their eggs and mature before becoming biting adults. Reduce the
amount of stagnant water on your property and you will lower the risk
for mosquito breeding sites.
-
Drain water from containers and
toys that collect water, such as garbage cans, pool covers, flower pots,
tires, and tarps.
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Change water in wading pools,
birdbaths, and pet bowls twice a week.
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Drain or drill holes in the
bottom of containers so that water doesn’t collect.
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Keep roof eaves clear of debris.
-
Fill low-lying areas that hold
water.
-
Maintain pools and aerate
ornamental ponds or stock with fish.
-
Do not let grass clippings enter
roadside gutters or catch basins as these are perfect mosquito breeding
sites.
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County of Lambton
Standing Water By-law
No person shall from April 1 to
October 31of any year:
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permit standing water to accumulate
in debris, deep ruts and holes, excavations,
depressions or any unprotected or unused wells on
his/her property;
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permit a swimming pool, swimming
pool cover, hot tub, wading pool or artificial pond
located on his/her property to contain standing
water.
Related Link:
Corporation of the County of Lambton, By-Law No. 26 of
2003. "a by-Law of The Corporation of the County
of Lambton to regulate Standing Water".
Click here to download the by-Law.
To report a standing water complaint,
contact Community Health Services Department at 519
383-8331 ext. 3575.
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West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance
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Click
Here to report online or click the Report Button to the left.
(secure environment) |
The Community Health Services Department (CHSD) will continue its dead bird
surveillance in 2009. In an effort to track the West Nile virus in Lambton
County, the public is encouraged to report the sightings of ALL dead birds
to Community Health Services.
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In certain circumstances, adult crows and blue jays, dead for
less than 24 hours, may be considered for testing. Crows and
blue jays are seriously affected by this disease and are an
indicator of West Nile in our community.
Please note that CHSD
cannot collect every dead bird. If the bird will not be tested,
you will be asked to dispose of the bird. |
If you find a dead bird:
- Call the CHSD to report the location or use the
form on our website
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
- If you are not called within 24 hours, or the
next business day, please dispose of the bird(s).
- Do not handle dead birds with bare hands. Use
gloves and put the bird in a double plastic bag. If gloves are not
available, turn a plastic bag inside out and scoop up the bird with the
bag.
- If the dead bird has been reported but will not
be tested, place the bagged carcass in an outdoor garbage can for
disposal. If the bird will be tested, save the bird and CHSD will pick
it up.
- For health and safety reasons, do not bring
dead birds directly to Community Health Services. They will not be
accepted.
For more about West Nile or to report a dead bird,
contact Community Health Services at 519 383-3824 or
toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824. To report birds
online,
click here.
West Nile virus Fact Sheets (9)
To view or print PDF documents, you must download Adobe Acrobat Reader
(version 5.0 or greater). Adobe Acrobat Reader is free and can be downloaded from the
Adobe web site. Download
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Stop Mosquitoes From Breeding
Information for Farm Owners
Information for Tire Pile Owners
Pond & Swimming Pool Information
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West Nile Virus in Horses - Detection and Prevention
West Nile Virus - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Link to 2010 Updated Fact Sheet
Related Links
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Air Quality - Indoor and Outdoor Bed Bugs Benzene Exposure Emergency Preparedness Extreme Heat and Your Health Giant Hogweed Household Pests Lead and Human Health Lyme Disease Mice and Hantavirus Other Health Issues Severe Cold Weather West Nile Virus 2010 |
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