BRAMPTON, ON. (August 8, 2008) – A dead crow found on August 4 near the area of Wanless Drive and McLaughlin Road in Brampton has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). In addition, a mosquito batch collected on July 29 in the area of Hwy. 407 and Hurontario Street in Brampton has tested positive for WNV. To date, Peel has no confirmed human cases of WNV.

“Historically, the end of July is when we have found West Nile Virus in the Region. The hot weather and rain create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” says Dr. Eileen de Villa, Associate Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. “We encourage all residents to report stagnant water and 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 their 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 their property. Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, frequently change the water in birdbaths and keep eavestroughs clear to avoid trapped water.

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

To report dead crows and blue jays, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and statutory holidays.

Stagnant water can be reported Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 905-799-7700, or online at www.peel-bugbite.ca.

So far this season in Ontario, there have been 25 WNV-positive birds and four WNV-positive mosquito batches. In the regions neighbouring Peel, WNV-positive birds have been found in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph County and Durham Region and two WNV-positive mosquito batches have been found in Toronto.

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.

The Regional Municipality of Peel was incorporated in 1974 on the principle that certain community and infrastructure services are most cost-effectively administered over a larger geographic area. The Region of Peel serves more than one million residents in the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon.

 Released by the Region of Peel on August 8, 2008 at 16:02