Time: 2024-06-06
Health officials in the Peterborough region recently confirmed that a bird found dead in the area tested positive for the West Nile virus. Peterborough Public Health reported that an American crow discovered in early May was submitted for testing. The health unit, which serves Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation, highlighted the risk posed by birds and mosquitoes acting as carriers and hosts for the virus.
The health unit conducts regular trapping of mosquitoes in Peterborough city and county to collect specimens for West Nile virus testing during the summer and fall seasons. Despite no positive mosquito samples in 2023, there were confirmed cases of the virus in humans in Ontario. Health officials emphasized that most cases of West Nile virus are asymptomatic, with mild flu-like symptoms affecting around 20% of infected individuals. The unit also highlighted the rare instances of neuro-invasive disease development, particularly among older age groups and males. To prevent contracting the virus, recommendations include avoiding contact with dead birds, proper disposal, hand hygiene, and mosquito bite prevention strategies such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellants.
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